Antara, Jakarta – Minister of Investment and head of the Investment Coordination Board (BKPM) Bahlil Lahadalia reiterated on Monday that the government has never offered any privileges for investors in Rempang Island, Riau Islands.
The government got a Chinese company to invest in the island following intensive communication with the company, Lahadalia informed during a working meeting with Commission VI of the House of Representatives on Monday, October 2, 2023.
"There should be no perception that those who invest in Rempang get special treatment. My team in China has been involved in months of negotiations, and the team has given the recommendation to check this company," he said.
The minister added that the development of investment in Rempang is part of the government's effort to encourage the silica sand industry downstreaming in Batam, following the success of nickel downstreaming.
Silica sand is a raw material for glass and solar panels.
According to Lahadalia, China's Xinyi Group is a strategic partner for the silica sand industry downstreaming. "Once again, I made it clear here that we have never treated differently (investing) companies," he stressed.
The minister elaborated that Rempang Eco City has been listed in the National Strategic Projects for industry, tourism, and others, as stipulated in the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Regulation Number 7 of 2023, which was issued on August 28, 2023.
There are at least 10 projects that will be implemented on the island. They comprise the development of an integrated industrial area; silica sand processing plant; sodium carbonate industry; solar panel industry; float glass industry; industrial grade silicon; polysilicon industry; crystal processing; solar cell and module; and supporting industries.