USINDO met with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto in Washington DC, US, on Monday (11/11) local time. The president encouraged them to continue investing and participating in development plans in Indonesia.

Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto held a meeting with members of the United States – Indonesia Society (USINDO) at the Four Season Hotel, Washington DC, on Monday (Nov. 11) local time.

In the meeting, President Prabowo had a direct dialogue with a number of leaders of big American companies that have long invested in Indonesia, including Freeport, Chevron, General Electric and Georgetown, the Indonesian Cabinet Secretariat said in a written statement on Tuesday.

In his press statement after the event, Prabowo expressed his pleasure over the enthusiasm of US companies to continue contributing to Indonesia's economic development.

“They are highly involved in Indonesia’s economy and development. They have long (invested) in Indonesia and they continue to trust Indonesia and its economy. I also encouraged them to keep investing and participate in our development plans,” he said.

In the meantime, Minister of Investment and Downstreaming Development/Head of the Investment Coordinating Board Rosan Roeslani, who also attended the meeting, added that the discussion went productively.

According to Rosan, President Prabowo expressed his stance on corruption, saying that it is like a ‘cancer’ in the economy and underscoring that it would not be tolerated at any level.

“(President Prabowo) even told (USINDO corporate members) to let him know directly if they found a corruption case or any problem. This is a very positive and clear message, and they responded with appreciation,” Rosan said.

Rosan pointed out that the meeting also discussed renewable energy, and several leading energy companies expressed interest in investing in carbon capture and geothermal technology to support Indonesia’s net zero emission target.

“Most importantly, it would reduce red tape so that investment in Indonesia brings benefits to all Indonesian people,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ted Osius, Former Deputy Chief of Mission to Indonesia and USINDO advisor, expressed appreciation for President Prabowo’s openness and support.

“We are thrilled because Indonesia has a president who is very pro-business, who warmly welcomed us, and who explained very clearly during the discussion how he would welcome business with the US and other countries,” he said.

Reporting by Indonesia Window