RI-Australia leaders to meet in Bali
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
Business and political leaders will gather in Bali next week for a conference jointly hosted by the Indonesia Australia Business Council (IABC) and its sister organization in Australia, according to the IABC.
Topping the list of speakers at the conference, which has not been held for four years, is Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for the Economy Dorodjatun Kuntjoro.
"The minister has perhaps been reluctant to address public gatherings in the past, but confirmed his attendance saying the event was 'very important'," the IABC said in a statement.
The conference, titled Indonesia: The Horizon Beyond, aims to address the immediate issues and long-term goals faced by domestic and foreign businesspeople in the archipelago. The concept was inspired by prominent Indonesian businessman Julius Tahija.
IABC president Noke Kiroyan said the resumption of the conference demonstrated that investors remained interested in business opportunities in Indonesia.
"Hopefully, events such as this conference will facilitate investment in Indonesia and show that the government is making the necessary reforms to attract capital," he said.
Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Political and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will also speak at the conference along with the country's Minister for Industry and Trade Rini M. Soewandi.
The three-day conference at the Bali International Convention Center, starting on March 13, will also feature speakers from the IABC's sister organization, the Australia Indonesia Business Council.
The Australian Minister for Trade Mark Vaile has confirmed his attendance.
A session on regional autonomy will be addressed by Ryaas Rasyid from the Indonesian Society of Government Studies, Andi Mallarangeng from the Partnership for Governance Reform and Kevin Evans from the UNDP.
Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) chairman Theo Toemion will give an update on regulatory moves to protect and enhance foreign investment.
Former presidential spokesperson Wimar Witoelar, who is to take up a lecturing appointment in Australia, will deliver the after dinner speech on the second day.