Investment realization slow

JAKARTA (JP): The realization of investments in the plantation sector in East Kalimantan remains low according to the head of the provincial office of the Ministry of Forestry and Plantations.

Sulaiman Ismail said only 39 of the 166 companies which have obtained licenses to invest in the sector have realized their investment projects.

He said the 39 companies have opened oil palm plantations in 615,000 hectares of land, employing thousands of workers.

Sulaiman also said some Malaysian businessmen have expressed their intention to invest in oil palm plantations on at least 250,000 hectares along the Simarang to Bontang road.

He said most foreign and local investors would begin their investment projects when the new government restores political stability.(06)