Indonesia Seeks Japan Investment in Sovereign Wealth Fund

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Coordinating Maritime Affairs and Investment Minister Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan has invited Japan to be one of the investors in the country’s much-anticipated sovereign wealth fund (SWF) to be named Nusantara Investment Authority (NIA).

This invitation has been extended to Izumi Hiroto, special advisor to Japan’s prime minister, on a working visit to Tokyo.

“The goal of State-Owned Enterprises Minister Erick Thohir and I is to invite Japan to increase their investment through the SWF institution which is stipulated by the Omnibus Law,” Luhut said in a statement on Thursday, December 3.

“The Nusantara Investment Authority (NIA) will provide flexibility for investors to invest in equity or assets with a transparent and professional management,” Luhut added.

Also read: Indonesia to Establish Sovereign Wealth Fund Soon

Minister Erick, who is accompanying Luhut during the working visit, also offers government projects that are attractive for investment in Indonesia.

“We hope this SWF can become the partner for foreign investors to invest in attractive and priority sectors in Indonesia, including toll roads, airports, and seaports. We want the value of assets owned by the state firms to reach a maximum level,” Erick said.

Meanwhile, Izumi said that Japan has pledged to participate in Indonesia’s SWF. Accompanying him during the meeting was Governor of Japan Bank of International Cooperation (JBIC) Maeda Tadashi and Japan’s Ambassador to Indonesia Kanasugi Kenji.

Indonesia’s Ambassador to Japan Heri Akhmadi said Japanese companies are eyeing several projects in Indonesia.

Also read: Indonesias Sovereign Wealth Fund to Attract $6 Billion Investment This Year: Senior Minister