Govt to Prioritize Job Creation in Apple's Investment

KBRN, Jakarta: Industry Minister Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita stated that the Industry Ministry prioritizes job creation related to Apple's investment in Indonesia, which is planned to be negotiated on January 7-8.

Minister Agus said that the Industry Ministry has set four fairness principles for Apple, namely Apple's investment in other countries; investments of handphone, handheld computer, and tablet (HKT) manufacturers other than Apple in Indonesia; revenue and value added for Indonesia; and employment absorption in the ecosystem, especially job creation for the people.

“We prioritize the four principles of justice, but the most important thing is job creation,” Minister Agus said, as quoted by antaranews.com, Monday.

In the negotiation process, therefore, the Minister encourages Apple to build manufacturing facilities in Indonesia. “The most important thing is how we can direct, strive to build factories in Indonesia,” Minister Agus said.

Regarding the discourse on Apple's USD 1 billion investment, Minister Agus said that it was relatively small compared to Apple's total product sales in Indonesia, which were recorded at around IDR 32 trillion.

Previously, Investment and Down-streaming Minister/Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Head Rosan Roeslani said that Apple would announce the realization of its investment in Indonesia on January 7. ***