DPR Member Stresses Investment Must Benefit Society, Not Just Exploit Resources

Member of Commission XII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) Cornelis has stressed that investment entering Indonesia must provide real benefits to local communities, regions, and national development, not just exploit natural resources. The statement was made after a working meeting between Commission XII and 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. According to Cornelis, the national investment target set by the government to support 8 percent economic growth requires strong support from all stakeholders. He therefore supports the steps taken by the Ministry of Investment and Downstreaming/BKPM in maintaining the investment climate while encouraging the entry of quality investment. “This target is certainly not easy. Therefore, the Ministry’s efforts to maintain the national investment climate deserve support, including through strengthening the budget and strategic programmes being implemented,” he said. Cornelis assessed that Indonesia has high investment appeal. However, the government must ensure that incoming investment does not merely pursue value, but also quality and its impact on development. He explained that quality investment is investment capable of creating jobs, increasing added value through downstreaming, strengthening regional economies, and making a direct contribution to public welfare. “We certainly do not want investment that only comes to take our natural wealth but provides no real benefit to society and the regions, and ultimately only leaves behind environmental damage and social problems,” he said, as released by dpr.go.id. The former Governor of West Kalimantan stated that, in line with the Ministry of Investment and Downstreaming’s policy direction emphasising the importance of quality and sustainable investment, Indonesia needs to open up investment opportunities as widely as possible while still prioritising national interests. “We open the door as wide as possible for investment, but not for investment that takes Indonesia’s wealth without leaving benefits. We want investment that grows with society, advances the regions, protects the environment, and strengthens Indonesia,” he said. On that occasion, the politician from the PDI Perjuangan faction also assessed that the proposed budget requirements for the Ministry of Investment and Downstreaming for the 2027 fiscal year were a rational step given the large national investment target that must be achieved. According to him, adequate budget support is needed to strengthen institutional capacity and ensure that incoming investment can drive economic growth, create jobs, and improve public welfare. “Adequate budget support is a state investment to create economic growth, open employment opportunities, and ensure that incoming investment truly has an impact on people’s welfare and regional progress,” he said.