Banten Governor and Deputy Investment Minister Lead Meeting to Resolve PT Chandra Asri Alkali Investment Dispute
Jakarta — Banten Governor Andra Soni and Deputy Minister of Investment and Downstream Industries/BKPM Todotua Pasaribu led a facilitation meeting to resolve investment issues concerning PT Chandra Asri Alkali at the Ministry of Investment and Downstream Industries/BKPM building on Jl Gatot Subroto No. 44, Jakarta, on Wednesday (14/5/2025).
Andra Soni expressed deep regret over the incident that went viral between PT Chandra Asri and the Cilegon City Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin). Speaking to journalists, he said the facilitation meeting firmly supported the commitment to realising investment in Banten Province to ensure it proceeds smoothly and on schedule.
"Delivering benefits to the Banten Province region, particularly Cilegon City," he said.
According to Andra Soni, investors are offered relaxations by the government in the form of tax holidays and tax allowances. The implementing regulations are expected to have a positive impact on the local ecosystem.
"We must ensure Banten Province remains investment-friendly. We will socialise the existing rules of engagement," he said.
He noted that in 2024, Banten Province ranked fifth nationally for investment realisation, and in 2025 the central government has set an investment realisation target of Rp119 trillion. Achieving this target requires cooperation from all parties, particularly in creating a conducive investment climate.
"God willing, incidents like the recent one will not happen again going forward," Andra Soni concluded.
While chairing the meeting, Deputy Minister of Investment and Downstream Industries/BKPM Todotua Pasaribu said the gathering was a follow-up to Chandra Asri's letter regarding the viral incident involving the Chandra Asri project.
"This incident is quite concerning for our investment conditions. On the Minister's orders, I am carrying out an investment consolidation for PT Chandra Asri Alkali," he said.
He stated that the Ministry of Investment and Downstream Industries/BKPM is taking over monitoring to ensure investment conditions remain conducive. The PT Chandra Asri Alkali investment is classified as a National Strategic Project (PSN) located within a vital object zone.
According to Todotua, to achieve the economic growth target of eight per cent, Indonesia requires investment realisation of approximately Rp13,000 trillion.
"This is a major challenge, but on the other hand the potential is quite significant," he said.
He expressed hope that the facilitation meeting could serve as a model for resolution in other provinces nationwide, not just for Banten Province.
Speaking to journalists, Banten Police Chief Inspector General Suyudi Ario Seto said the National Police is part of the Investment Acceleration Task Force.
"In the Banten region, we are part of the Investment Acceleration Task Force," he said.
He stated that in light of the viral video, the Banten Regional Police would deploy a team and conduct an investigation.
"If there are suspected criminal acts, especially those disrupting the investment climate in this country, we will certainly carry out investigation and inquiry proceedings. We will process this legally to create a deterrent effect," the Banten Police Chief affirmed.
Also in attendance were Cilegon Mayor Robinsar, Cilegon Police Chief AKBP Kemas Indra Natanegara, the management of PT Chandra Asri Alkali, and representatives from the national and Cilegon chambers of commerce.
Andra Soni expressed deep regret over the incident that went viral between PT Chandra Asri and the Cilegon City Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin). Speaking to journalists, he said the facilitation meeting firmly supported the commitment to realising investment in Banten Province to ensure it proceeds smoothly and on schedule.
"Delivering benefits to the Banten Province region, particularly Cilegon City," he said.
According to Andra Soni, investors are offered relaxations by the government in the form of tax holidays and tax allowances. The implementing regulations are expected to have a positive impact on the local ecosystem.
"We must ensure Banten Province remains investment-friendly. We will socialise the existing rules of engagement," he said.
He noted that in 2024, Banten Province ranked fifth nationally for investment realisation, and in 2025 the central government has set an investment realisation target of Rp119 trillion. Achieving this target requires cooperation from all parties, particularly in creating a conducive investment climate.
"God willing, incidents like the recent one will not happen again going forward," Andra Soni concluded.
While chairing the meeting, Deputy Minister of Investment and Downstream Industries/BKPM Todotua Pasaribu said the gathering was a follow-up to Chandra Asri's letter regarding the viral incident involving the Chandra Asri project.
"This incident is quite concerning for our investment conditions. On the Minister's orders, I am carrying out an investment consolidation for PT Chandra Asri Alkali," he said.
He stated that the Ministry of Investment and Downstream Industries/BKPM is taking over monitoring to ensure investment conditions remain conducive. The PT Chandra Asri Alkali investment is classified as a National Strategic Project (PSN) located within a vital object zone.
According to Todotua, to achieve the economic growth target of eight per cent, Indonesia requires investment realisation of approximately Rp13,000 trillion.
"This is a major challenge, but on the other hand the potential is quite significant," he said.
He expressed hope that the facilitation meeting could serve as a model for resolution in other provinces nationwide, not just for Banten Province.
Speaking to journalists, Banten Police Chief Inspector General Suyudi Ario Seto said the National Police is part of the Investment Acceleration Task Force.
"In the Banten region, we are part of the Investment Acceleration Task Force," he said.
He stated that in light of the viral video, the Banten Regional Police would deploy a team and conduct an investigation.
"If there are suspected criminal acts, especially those disrupting the investment climate in this country, we will certainly carry out investigation and inquiry proceedings. We will process this legally to create a deterrent effect," the Banten Police Chief affirmed.
Also in attendance were Cilegon Mayor Robinsar, Cilegon Police Chief AKBP Kemas Indra Natanegara, the management of PT Chandra Asri Alkali, and representatives from the national and Cilegon chambers of commerce.