Anindya Bakrie Says Indonesia Has Unique Appeal for Overseas Investment

JAKARTA, investortrust.id – A prominent figure from Indonesia’s chamber of business leadership declared on Wednesday, Feb 19, 2025, that the nation’s stability, continuity, and leadership make it an attractive destination for international investors. He emphasized how recent discussions with British lawmakers in Jakarta underscored Indonesia’s strategic advantage at a time of global uncertainty, hinting at stronger economic ties ahead.

In a follow-up statement, the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) Chairman Anindya Novyan Bakrie noted that while Indonesia’s current credit rating from Standard & Poor’s stands at BBB—short of the BBB+ target desired by many foreign investors—there are other compelling factors drawing overseas capital. He cited Indonesia’s improving ease of doing business and its growing international profile as key reasons to maintain global investor interest.

“Indonesia was a major topic at the World Economic Forum in Davos, besides the United States and India,” Anindya said after meeting with the Parliament of the United Kingdom on Wednesday, Feb 19, 2025. “This country has its own attraction, due to stability, sustainability, leadership, and also ease of doing business.”

Despite acknowledging areas for improvement, Anindya stressed that partnerships with the UK could propel Indonesia further. He believes collaboration will strengthen Indonesia’s position in the international arena.

“The UK is highly capable, as its industrialization started there. But since it has exited the European Union, it needs friends for trade, investment, and even geopolitical cooperation in the Asia-Pacific—or what we can call the Indo-Pacific,” he said.

Meanwhile, Member of Parliament for Beverley and Holderness in the United Kingdom, Graham Charles Stuart, described establishing ties with Indonesia as an excellent choice. Referring to Indonesia as a “sleeping giant,” he highlighted its population of more than 280 million and economic growth exceeding 5%, underlining the importance of forging long-term economic and geopolitical ties.

“Indonesia is a sleeping giant. There are more than 280 million people, economic growth is above 5%, and President Prabowo Subianto envisions even faster growth. Economically and geopolitically, Indonesia is very significant. That is why it is vital for us to work together,” Stuart said.

He also noted that UK lawmakers support Indonesia’s bid to join the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

“I believe the world is getting smaller, and for Indonesia and the UK now, we are partners, and we want to cooperate closely. If we do that, both countries will benefit,” he added.

In 2022, bilateral trade between the United Kingdom and Indonesia rose by 33% compared to the previous year, reflecting stronger economic ties. In 2024, both countries marked 75 years of diplomatic relations by forming a Strategic Partnership, aimed at increasing bilateral trade in line with each nation’s economic capacity.

In September 2024, the UK and Indonesia signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on strategic minerals, focusing on policy dialogue, supply chain resilience, and sustainable processing. Two months later, British oil and gas giant BP and its partners announced a US$7 billion investment in carbon capture projects and gas field development in Papua, Indonesia, targeting an additional three trillion cubic feet of gas resources.

The British Group Inter-Parliamentary Union (BGIPU) visit this week seeks to strengthen bilateral relations following the UK’s General Election held on July 7, 2024. Its seven-member delegation includes four Members of Parliament from the House of Commons, two members from the House of Lords, and one BGIPU Secretariat staff member. This mission is particularly significant as it is the BGIPU’s first official visit to Indonesia since 2012.

The trip aligns with the new UK Labour government’s strategy. The party secured a parliamentary majority by winning 411 of the 650 seats, with 50% of its MPs being first-time members. Under Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, the UK identifies Indonesia as a priority partner, especially in promoting economic development, security, and environmental sustainability. The visit also reaffirms the UK’s commitment to taking a more active role as an ASEAN Dialogue Partner.

Discussions during the meeting covered major issues, including President Prabowo Subianto’s policy direction, defense and security, higher education, tourism, infrastructure development, environmental conservation, renewable energy investments, climate change mitigation—including deforestation concerns—disaster resilience, sustainable development, and international relations. These topics align with the vision set by President Prabowo Subianto and Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer during their London meeting on Nov 21, 2024, to strengthen the Strategic Partnership.