DPR Member Stresses Investment Must Benefit Society, Not Just Exploit Resources
Cornelis, a member of Commission XII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), has asserted that investments entering Indonesia must provide tangible benefits to local communities, regions, and national development, rather than merely exploiting natural resources.
These remarks were made following a working meeting of Commission XII with the Minister of Investment and Downstreaming/Head of BKPM, Rosan P. Roeslani, regarding the discussion of the Ministry/Agency Work Plan and Budget (RKA-K/L) and the 2027 Government Work Plan (RKP) at the Parliament Complex in Senayan, Jakarta, recently.
According to Cornelis, the national investment target set by the government to support 8 per cent economic growth requires strong support from all stakeholders. Consequently, he supports the efforts of the Ministry of Investment and Downstreaming/BKPM to maintain the investment climate while simultaneously encouraging the entry of high-quality investment.
“This target is certainly not easy. Therefore, the efforts of the Ministry of Investment and Downstreaming/BKPM in maintaining the national investment climate deserve support, including through budget strengthening and the implementation of strategic programmes,” he stated.
Cornelis believes that Indonesia possesses high investment attractiveness. However, he noted that the government must ensure that incoming investments do not merely chase high monetary values, but also focus on quality and their impact on development.
He explained that quality investment is that which is capable of creating jobs, increasing added value through downstreaming, strengthening regional economies, and providing a direct contribution to public welfare.
“We certainly do not want investments that only come to take our natural wealth without providing real benefits to the community and the regions, and which ultimately only leave behind environmental damage and social issues,” he said.
The former Governor of West Kalimantan stated that, in line with the policy direction of the Ministry of Investment and Downstreaming/BKPM which emphasises the importance of quality and sustainable investment, Indonesia needs to open up as many investment opportunities as possible while still prioritising national interests.
“We are opening our doors as wide as possible for investment, but not for investment that takes Indonesia’s wealth without leaving benefits. We want investment that grows alongside the people, advances the regions, protects the environment, and strengthens Indonesia,” he added.
During the session, the politician from the PDI Perjuangan faction also assessed the proposed budget requirements for the Ministry of Investment and Downstreaming/BKPM for the 2027 Fiscal Year as a rational step, given the significant national investment targets that must be achieved.
In his view, adequate budget support is necessary to strengthen institutional capacity and ensure that incoming investments are capable of driving economic growth, creating jobs, and increasing public welfare.
“Adequate budget support is a state investment to create economic growth, open up employment, and ensure that incoming investment truly impacts the welfare of the people and regional progress,” he concluded.