JCC to help resolve looming power crisis<\/p>\n
A'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta<\/p>\n
The looming electricity crisis in this country is worrying
\nJapanese investors and is one of the various problems
\ndiscouraging them from making new investments here.<\/p>\n
A press release issued last week by the Office of the
\nCoordinating Minister for the Economy said that the government,
\nwith the help of the Jakarta Japan Club (JJC), would try to
\nresolve the power supply problem, focusing on improving the
\nfinancial soundness of state-owned electricity company PLN and
\nincreasing the capacity of existing power plants.<\/p>\n
The statement did not provide further details about the plan.<\/p>\n
Indonesia may suffer a serious power supply problem in 2004
\nand 2005 unless there is sufficient new investment in the power
\nsector to generate more electricity amid fast rising demands.<\/p>\n
Japan is one of the country's largest foreign investors and
\ntrading partners. Maintaining the flow of investment, which has
\nbeen dwindling in the past couple of years, is a top priority of
\nthe Indonesian economic agenda, as investment is key to a
\nsustainable economic growth that could generate enough jobs for
\nmillions of unemployed.<\/p>\n
JJC members consist of top executives of all Japanese
\nbusinesses operating in Indonesia.<\/p>\n
Since last year, the government has been working with JJC to
\ntry and resolve the various problems faced by Japanese investors
\nin Indonesia.<\/p>\n
At least 81 different problems faced by Japanese businessmen
\nhad been drawn up in detail, and according to Mahendra Siregar at
\nthe Office of the Coordinating Minister for the Economy, 21
\nproblems had so far been resolved.<\/p>\n
He said that the government was now working hard to resolve
\nthe remaining problems in cooperation with JJC, and was
\noptimistic that they could be overcome.<\/p>\n
\"The cooperation program (with JJC) began last January, but
\neven within this short period of time, we have already been able
\nto produce some results,\" Mahendra told The Jakarta Post on
\nSunday.<\/p>\n
Among the 21 problems which have been resolved are those
\nfocusing on customs and excise, taxation and labor issues.<\/p>\n
In regards customs and excise, government measures had focused
\non how to combat illegal levies and to accelerate customs
\nclearance of imported raw materials.<\/p>\n
In the tax sector, various uncertainties had also been
\nresolved, one of which dealt with how to settle miscalculations
\nof corporate tax.<\/p>\n
In labor, a clearer definition on lawful employee strikes was
\nprovided, as well as a more appropriate severance pay policy.<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/jcc-to-help-resolve-looming-power-crisis-1447893297",
"image": ""
},
"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
}