The 11th annual US-Indonesia Investment Summit ushered in a significant milestone in fostering economic collaboration between these two nations (10/24). This year’s summit was immersed in the overarching theme of “Mapping the Legacy, Navigating the Future.” The awakening of this theme exemplifies the refinement obtained and indicates the untapped potential that remains to be acquired. Part of the substance intensely examined President Widodo’s economic legacy, articulated past achievements and challenges, and provided a perception of prospective economic policies concerning the 2024 presidential election. US Ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia, Sung Y. Kim, stated that the United States is eager to expand its economic ties with Indonesia, encompassing the government, companies, and citizens. The United States anticipates perpetual cooperation to establish circumstances that optimize the collective potential of both citizens and corporations, aiming for more top-notch achievements henceforth. Given the discussion regarding the economic outlook and US-Indonesia economic relations, the occasion also addressed economic strategies for the next government to proceed with President Jokowi’s legacy. It acknowledged how to increase the investment climate in Indonesia’s emerging economy to avoid the middle-income trap. The substantial dialogue was graced by Anies Baswedan and Ganjar Pranowo, two of Indonesia’s presidential candidates, who also addressed their vision and mission through speeches regarding Indonesia’s future. Correspondingly, both discourses included crucial points for the potential and growth of Indonesia.
In consonance with the overarching theme of the 11th US-Indonesia Investment Summit, these key elements are thoughtfully synchronized. With the theme “ Progress and Greater Ahead,” the US suggests that Indonesia unveil its economic growth potential, which is eliminating bureaucratic red tape stymieing two-way trade and investment, simplifying tax procedures, reassessing restrictive trade and investment policies, fostering a conducive environment, increasing productive dialogue between US. and Indonesia, and deepening education reforms. The proposal put forth by the United States centers around Private Sector Engagement. Indonesia’s government has been progressively open to cultivate the private sector in formulating economic policies. Multi-stakeholder collaboration with the government, private sector, and NGOs played a pivotal role in the summit, with discussions revolving around its potential to catalyze sustainable investments. Indonesia, in its endeavor to spearhead the development of its new capital city, Nusantara, seeks to establish it as a pioneering blueprint for future urban centers. From Post-Election Economic Reform, Indonesia expects peaceful and stable 2024 elections, with participants expressing that President Widodo leaves big shoes to fill for the next president. Indonesia has a youthful population that is well-positioned to handle these potential benefits because of its demographic advantages. Ganjar, a candidate for president in 2024, mentioned the need for preparedness and regulation at the summit and the potential of the digital creative industry for future generations. These discussions are expected to lead to additional opportunities for foreign investment in Indonesia.
The strong economic fundamentals have laid the groundwork for attractive investment prospects in Indonesia. It is one of the main reasons Indonesia has promising investment opportunities and competitive advantage compared to other countries, as stated by Airlangga Hartanto, Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister of Economy, on Tuesday (10/24). The economic conditions of Indonesia also played a big factor in the promising investment opportunities, maintaining over 5% of the economic growth rate for seven consecutive quarters while suppressing the inflation rate to 2.28%, the lowest recorded inflation rate since February 2022. Additionally, development is indicated by Indonesia’s social indices, including a 0.388 Gini coefficient and unemployment rates, 5.45%, and 9.36% for poverty. Moreover, The nation’s trade balance in September showed a US$3.42 billion surplus, extending a 41-month trend of continuous surpluses. In addition, Indonesia’s investor-friendly environment and legal certainty have been greatly enhanced by the recent adoption of the Omnibus Law on Job Creation (Undang-Undang Cipta Kerja Nomor 6 Tahun 2023) and improvements to the Online Single Submission (OSS) system. These key drivers align with the broader vision for Indonesia as outlined in the Indonesia Emas 2045 plan, targeting a nominal GDP of US$9.8 trillion with a GNI per capita of US$30,300. Nevertheless, the positive outcomes of the summit are expected to serve as a catalyst for Indonesia’s economic transformation, aligning with the visionary ideas presented during the meeting.
Sources:
Antara News
CNBC
US Chamber
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