Four Countries Trying to Improve South Sulawesi's Economy

VIVA – The Indonesian President, Joko Widodo (Jokowi) warmly welcomed the cooperation that has been agreed upon by companies in East Luwu Regency between Indonesia and Brazil, China, also the United States. The President expects this cooperation to improve the economy in South Sulawesi Province.

“I consider that the companies that are members of the cooperation consist of giant companies in the world. I hope this will have a welfare effect on society, especially on South Sulawesi,” the President stated in his remarks during the inauguration of the Swerigading Wallacea Biodiversity Park at PT Vale Indonesia, East Luwu Regency, South Sulawesi, on Thursday.

"We hope that the economic effect on the province and our country will provide better economic growth," he added.

Furthermore, President Widodo emphasized the reasons why these companies are interested in entering Indonesia. The President explained that one of them is because Indonesia has the largest nickel reserves in the world.

"Nickel reserves in Indonesia are the largest, number one in the world. That is our strength. We don’t want nickel to run out because it has been exported raw for years. Therefore, since 2020 I will stop exporting nickel in raw form, but it must be semi-finished or finished goods," the President stated.

Also accompanying the President were the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment; Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Minister of Investment/Head of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM); Bahlil Lahadalia, Cabinet Secretary; Pramono Anung, South Sulawesi Governo;  Andi Sudirman Sulaiman, and East Luwu Regent; Budiman.