34 firms sign up for German center in BSD complex
TANGERANG (JP): Registration of 34 local and foreign companies is confirmed for the eight-story German Center for Industry and Trade in the Bumi Serpong Damai (BSD) housing complex here, the center's president said yesterday.
Jochen Sauter, speaking at the topping-off ceremony of the US$32 million construction project, said the businesses would move in by the end of the year.
The ceremony marked the completion of the basic structural work on the project, which is scheduled to be ready for occupancy in September.
Among those present at the event were Minister of Research and Technology/Chairman of the Agency for Assessment and Application of Technology, Rahardi Ramelan, German Ambassador Heinrich Seeman and former minister of agrarian affairs/chairman of the National Land Agency Soni Harsono.
Twenty-two Indonesian firms, 10 German companies and two Singaporean enterprises have signed up for space.
Local firms include Bank Bali, Bank Danamon, PT Asuransi Allianz Utama Indo and NV Djawa Indah. Among the German companies are Korsch Pressen GmbH, Roedl & Partner, Steinbrenner Import & Export and Taprogge GmbH. The Singaporean businesses are Rinol Asit Pte. Ltd. and Klockner Moeller Asia Pacific.
"The German center has introduced new rental terms in line with the general market trends in Greater Jakarta," Sautter told The Jakarta Post after the ceremony.
He said the center leased space in U.S. dollar-denominated rates which would be pegged according to a particular rupiah conversion.
"The pegged rate itself, however, will be set at a shareholders meeting tomorrow. I hope the dollar will be pegged at Rp 5,000," Sautter said.
Rahardi said in his speech that the center was an outstanding opportunity for German companies to establish a footing in the country's market.
"Germany is supporting Indonesia to overcome the current economic crisis and proceeds with this prestigious project," he said.
The center, which also provides information for businesspeople who want to establish ventures in local markets, can function as a bridge between German and Indonesian companies.
The building, called the German House, is built on 15,000 square meters. It will also be equipped with a business center and rooms for conference and presentations.
Total space available is 24,900 square meters, of which 17,000 square meters will be leased out on two-year minimum terms.
Construction by PT Econ Construction was supervised by ICM of Germany. At least 50 percent of materials were imported from Germany. (ind)