Minister Hopes Next BKPM Chief Able To Create Job Opportunities

Jakarta, 21 May (Antara) - Indonesia Trade Minister Gita Wirjawan hoped next chief of the Indonesia Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) replacing Chatib Basri, could create new job opportunities. "The next BKPM chief should be intelligent and able to introduce the potential of Indonesia investment that could lead to the creation of new job opportunities," said Wirjawan here, Tuesday. He added President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono will name a successor of Basri who was installed as a new Indonesian Finance Minister. Wirjawan believed that President Yudhoyono will appoint an appropriate person to replace Basri in BKPM. Gita confirmed that the Managing Director of PT Pertamina Karen Agustiawan also has great capabilities to lead BKPM in the future. The minister said there will be great challenges such as concern on the decrease of investment level in Indonesia. "However the decrease, I believe, is reflecting the global condition. But I thought the positive sentiment will continue as Indonesia has great economic fundamental," Gita said. Despite concern on the decrease, however, the minister was confident that a lot of investments will continue to flow into Indonesia. "I believe there will be more investors who are interested in investing in Indonesia, as the country has become more attractive," Wirjawan said. President Yudhoyono on Tuesday appointed Basri as Indonesia Finance Minister to replace Agus Martowardojo. Previously, Basri served as the BKPM chief while former finance minister Agus Martowardojo currently serves as Bank Indonesia (BI) Governor, replacing Darmin Nasution.