Sheany, Jakarta – As part of the government's effort to increase foreign investments to the country, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday (24/11) held an event in Jakarta to highlight and promote Central Java.

The "Update From the Region" event, which took place at a four-star hotel in South Jakarta, showcased various popular commodities, with the province's private and public sector in attendance, as a way to "bring Central Java closer to the global market."

The event was also attended by representatives from foreign embassies in Jakarta. During her remarks at the event's opening, Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi emphasized that Central Java "has a lot to offer and is one of the main destinations for business investment and transaction."

"You cannot understand Indonesia if you don't visit and meet the people, the government, the private sectors from other parts of Indonesia. Today, we bring you Central Java," Retno said.

She added that the provincial government has simplified the process of investment and business set-up, and expressed hopes that the event will serve as a space for the attendees to "explore and develop business interactions."

Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo, who was present at the event, said the province is not only attractive but also worth the visit, "especially for those who are looking to do business and make investments."

Ganjar said Central Java's economy has grown above the national average in the past five years, and is continuing on that trend.

With a population of almost 35 million, the province boasts a range of commodities, such as coffee, furniture, batik and handicraft, as well as a number of tourist attractions, from Borobudur Temple to Karimun Jawa.

The province is also home to several industrial areas, including the Kendal Industrial Park and Wijayakusuma Industrial Park.

"Update From the Region" is a regular Foreign Affairs Ministry event that seeks to highlight different provinces across the archipelago and is part of a double-track effort to attract foreign investments to the country. Indonesian embassies abroad often organize their own events to promote different products and areas for potential foreign investors.

"President [Joko] Widodo is pro-inclusive economic growth, [and] the government is doing its best to develop every part of Indonesia, including Central Java, Papua and other eastern parts of Indonesia," Retno said.

Indonesia has put economic diplomacy in its list of foreign policy priorities. The 2017 Ease of Doing Business Index by the World Bank placed Indonesia 72nd out of 190 countries, up 19 spots from last year.

Source: http://jakartaglobe.id/news/central-java-gains-spotlight-key-destination-foreign-investment/