Indonesia Rich Art and Culture Tourism Destinations
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Moving on the right track Opportunity Economy consolidating New investment policy | an overview Indonesia Rich art and culture Tourism destinations 2007 a special publication by the embassy of indonesia in singapore 29 32 22 11 35 14 03 Publisher’s Note 05 “Moving on the right track” 09 Indonesia and Singapore | Natural Partners 10 Indonesia Then & Now 12 Economic Update 12 Economy Consolidating 14 New Investment Policy | An Overview 25 17 Indonesia - Singapore PUBLISHER Sun Media Pte Ltd EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Nomita Dhar “Synergizing on their strengths” ADVERTISING & MARKETING Chan Siew Khim, Roshni Sudhir PHOTO CONTRIBUTIONS Embassy of Indonesia in Singapore EMBASSY EDITORIAL BOARD Widya Rahmanto, Bhima Dwipayudhanto, Djunari Inggit Waskito PHOTOGRAPHERS 19 Rich Art and Culture Tibor Magyar, Michael Ozaki, Abu Bakar Along DESIGN Dilipkumar Kanagaraj PRINTING Image office EDITORIAL OFFICE SunMedia Pte Ltd, 20 Kramat Lane 21 Savour | Interesting Cuisines #01-02 United House, S228773 tel (65) 67352972 / 67351907/67352986 fax (65) 67353114 e-mail: [email protected] 22 Experience | Indonesian Spas URL http://www.sunmediaonline.com MICA (P) 301/06/2007 25 West Sumatra | A Unique Getaway This commemorative special is published under the advocacy of H.E.Wardana, Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia, Singapore. 28 MICE Destination © Copyrights 2007 by Sun Media Pte Ltd. The opinions, pronouncements or views Indonesia for Work and Play expressed or implied in this publication are those of contributions or authors. They do not necessarily reflect the official stance of the Indonesian authorities nor their Contents agents and representatives. The aim of this publication is to guide and provide 32 Bintan Resorts general information. While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of all Rejuvenation Round the Corner information contained, the publisher cannot be liable for loss incurred in any way whatsoever by a company or a person relying on this information. 35 Photo Feature For further inquiries, contact: Indonesian Embassy, 7 Chatsworth Road, Singapore 249761 Website: www.kbrisingapura.com Publisher’s Note I AM EXTREMELY PRIVILEGED TO BRING YOU THE INAUGURAL EDITION OF OPPORTUNITY INDONESIA, AS THE COUNTRY CELEBRATES ITS 62nd YEAR OF INDEPENDENCE. Whether it is the capital Jakarta or the resort islands of Bintan, one can feel the winds of change in the air in Indonesia today. There is an all-pervading dynamism about the country. Rapid changes to the socio-cultural milieu, an upturn in the country’s economic landscape, integration of the latest technology - all point to an emerging “new Indonesia”. With over 17,500 islands, Indonesia is the largest archipelago in the world. At the crossroads of the Indian and the Pacific oceans and bridging the continents of Asia and Australia, Indonesia is a huge market, located ideally for trade and investment. A large population is seen as potential workforce, and its abundant resources are being leveraged to attract investors to the country. We bring you an entrepreneur’s perspective on various opportunities that can be tapped. With a unique geography and history, it’s only natural that tourism is among the top attractions. Think of Indonesia and one immediately recalls the beaches and the rich cultural life in Bali, the tropical rain forests with its rare fauna and flora. From Aceh to Papua, one is spoilt for choice in the predominantly mountainous country. Over 300 ethnic groups have their own distinct language, art, traditions and customs. For fast-paced Singaporeans, Indonesia offers innumerable options to de-stress. This edition looks at some of the latest options in nearby Bintan and West Sumatra. Also check out some of the new locations in Indonesia for meetings, incentives and conferences. Perhaps the greatest attraction about today’s Indonesia is “Bhinneka Tunggal Ika” or “Unity in Diversity”. People may see themselves first by their ethnic and cultural grouping. But the national motto binds them together with the usage of the national language, Bahasa Indonesia. The state philosophy of Pancasila, also stresses the doctrine of unity and universal justice for all Indonesians. It was a great pleasure putting together this National Day special. We hope you enjoy reading it. We wish all Indonesians and their friends a happy National Day. NOMITA DHAR Editor - In - Chief Opportunity Indonesia | 3 “Moving on the right track” As Indonesia celebrates 62 years of independence, The Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia in Singapore H.E.WARDANA tells NOMITA DhAR of the various opportunities between the two countries it has continued to move on and forward. In achieve during your tenure? this case, the Indonesian Government has My hope during my tenure is to be able actively pursued a triple-track strategy. First, to develop a warm, productive, balanced, achieving sustainable higher economic growth and mutually beneficial relationship with through a combination of strong exports and Singapore on the basis of trust and respect. increased investments, both domestic and This can be achieved through better political foreign. Second, stimulating the performance communication, as well as increased economic of the real sector to create employment. and social cultural cooperation. It is also my Third, promoting the development of the intention to promote a more positive image of rural economy and agriculture to alleviate poverty. Indonesia’s greatest challenge Indonesia through cultural approaches. is to continue to create jobs and reduce AS A land of opportunities Indonesia poverty and thus far, Indonesia has been has A lot to offer visitors, investors, able to maintain macroeconomic stability traders etc. Please highlight some and lay the foundations for higher and opportunities that Singaporean and better quality growth. international investors can tap on. H.E.WARdana, Indonesia has a large supply of natural gas, Ambassador of the Republic of As for bilateral relations with Singapore, the Indonesia in Singapore year 2007 has shown us that the development oil, as well as manpower resources. These N 17 August, Indonesia of relations between the two countries has are opportunities that foreign investors celebrates 62 years of been progressing significantly. There has need to explore. Sectors of investment O independence. What is the also been further improvement in a number opportunities are: message you would like to convey to of areas in bilateral relations, within the æ Primary sector: food crops, plantation, the readers on this special occasion? regional and international sphere. A range livestock, forestry, fishery and mining. After 62 years of independence, Indonesia is of factors has created a situation prevalent æ Secondary sector: food industries, textile, undergoing far-reaching political changes in in facilitating the increase in exchange of leather, leather goods & shoes, wood, paper, such a dynamic manner, that today policy visits by dignitaries and officials. We are paper goods & printing, basic chemicals, decision making rests not only in the hands pretty closer as momentum of more and chemical goods & pharmaceuticals, rubber of a few powerful political institutions, but more regular discourse between senior & plastic goods, non-metallic mineral, also in the hands of newcomers in the active government officials and legislators of the basic metal, medical equipment, optical, political scene such as the local governments, two countries is intensifying. measurement tools, transportation tools, the parliament together with its competing etc. There has also been a growing trend of political parties, numerous societal groups, æ Tertiary sector: electricity, gas & water, people-to-people contact in various sectors. the country’s vibrant NGOs and the press. construction, trade & reparation, hotel & These are all indications that bilateral Indonesia thrives to become a resilient, restaurant, transportation, communication relations are now not only improving, but vibrant democracy. & warehouse, real estate, industrial estate also they are on the path to further expansion & office, etc. Now, the objectives as stated by our President, and take the new scope for hopefully the Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, is to advance betterment of relations, not only between Traditionally many Singaporean democracy and reforms, accelerate Indonesia’s the two countries but also with other ASEAN businesspersons and traders have made inroads into Indonesian market. transformation, and rebuild Indonesia’s friends and neighbours. How is the trend currently? economy after the crisis. Eventhough You have been in Singapore for about Indonesia, during the past two years has eight months. How has your EXperience Business players from the two countries faced a number of unexpected “unknowns”, been so far and what do you intend to have made inroads into both the Indonesian Opportunity Indonesia | 5 Why do you think investors should choose Indonesia as their neXT investment destination? Indonesia is moving on the right track in improving the investment climate. Considering the huge population, the availability of natural resources and the new investment law emphasizing more transparency and legal certainty, Indonesia is the right choice for investors to do business. The new investment law of year 2007, which has replaced the 1967 and 1968 investment laws, eliminated uncertainty regulations, as it emphasizes equal treatment, right to H.E. Dr. N. Hassan Wirajuda, Indonesian Minister for Foreign Affairs with transfer,