Sleman hopes to lure investors

YOGYAKARTA: In a bid to boost economic activities as well as increase people's welfare, Sleman regency, in the northern part of Yogyakarta, has declared itself an open regency for investors.

Speaking at an official opening ceremony of a new glove factory here last week, Sleman Regent Ibnu Subiyanto said the regency would greatly welcome any investment that would benefit local people and made a commitment to increasing local economic development.

"In 2002 alone we received a total domestic investment of some Rp 43.4 billion that was able to absorb nearly 400 employees," said Ibnu. He said the total amount of foreign investment the regency received for the same year was US$146,000, which had absorbed some 160 workers.

Sleman's main export commodities include garments, textiles, wooden furniture, electric light bulbs and golf gloves. -- JP