Prospective Investors Afraid of High Container Rates in Batam, Choose to Other Countries

Editor: Putri Larasati Anggiawan

TRIBUNBATAM.id, BATAM - Ministry of Economy is finalizing plans to integrate the free port areas of Batam, Bintan, Karimun and Tanjungpinang.

The integration of free areas in Riau Islands is based on President Jokowi's direction to boost investment.

During tBP Batam webinar, Thursday (27/8/2020), Secretary of Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs Susiwijono Moegiarso said the government was finalizing the concept of free port regional integration.

"Integration of FTZ Batam, Bintan, and Karimun to be more efficient. So far, the complexity of regulations has held the business world hostage, "said Susiwijono.

Even though they are integrated, the free trade area does not compete.

There are several strategic issues in integration, namely regarding concepts and institutions. Later the institutions will also be united.

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Head of BP Batam Muhammad Rudi conveyed the investment conditions in Batam.

Rudi conveyed several improvements, namely expensive logistics costs so that they could not compete with the surrounding areas.

President Director of PT Sat Nusapersada, Tbk Abidin Hasibuan agreed on the high container rates.

This has been a serious concern, but there is no agreement yet. "Even Jusuf Kalla when he was vice president had already checked it," he said.

At that time Jusuf Kalla ordered the completion in two months. However, it has not been completed for two years.

Abidin said that the high cost of containers hindered potential investors from entering Batam.

"So they choose to go to other countries. Until now there has been no solution regarding the high cost of containers, "Abidin said. (Ath)

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