The Main Secretary and Deputy for Investment Promotion at the Ministry of Investment / Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Ikmal Lukman said the government encourages investment in the food and beverage industry (mamin) in partnership with MSMEs. "Investments from the state are quite large in collaboration with MSMEs, we should encourage and support all elements, both central and regional, because these types of industries, apart from creating jobs, will also provide foreign exchange for our country which is currently in need," said Ikmal in a webinar session with the media on Tuesday. He added that investment activities are an essential factor as a driver of economic growth, especially encouraging the recovery of the national economy from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) estimates that the flow of foreign direct investment (FDI) in the world will decline by around 30% to 40% in 2020-2021. In the midst of the decline in FDI, Ikmal said Indonesia should be grateful because there are still some large companies that have the desire to invest in Indonesia, one example is the food and beverage company from the United States Mondelez Internasional. According to data compiled by Ikmal, the realization of US investment in Indonesia will rank fourth in 2021 with a total investment transaction value of around USD 2.5 billion.
Ikmal said Mondelez contributed 1.46% or around USD 26.6 million from US investment that entered Indonesia and was realized in 2021. "This investment is proof that Indonesia is still attractive in the eyes of investors," he said. Ikmal said that his party hopes that investment from foreign companies can continue to grow and have a positive impact in creating job opportunities, collaborating with MSMEs and local entrepreneurs, as well as encouraging economic growth in Indonesia. "The Indonesian government is committed to continuing to support the investment of food and beverage companies and fully oversees it to develop its business in Indonesia, including in providing incentives and coordinating with related institutions," he said.
