Jakarta. Indonesia’s investment ministry sought to calm concerns over complaints raised by Chinese businesses, saying a letter from the China Chamber highlighting investment challenges in the country should be seen as constructive feedback rather than a negative signal for the business climate.

Deputy Investment Minister Todotua Pasaribu said the government viewed the letter as a normal expression of concern from investors operating in Indonesia.

“The letter reflects concerns among Chinese investors affiliated with the China Chamber. That is perfectly normal,” Todotua said at the Investment Ministry office in Jakarta, as quoted on Friday.

According to Todotua, the investors were merely conveying several challenges they faced while doing business in Indonesia. The government, he said, considered the feedback a positive contribution toward improving the country’s investment climate.

The letter, submitted by the China Chamber of Commerce in Indonesia on behalf of Chinese-invested companies, reportedly raised concerns over regulatory changes and law enforcement measures that investors said were creating uncertainty and undermining confidence, particularly in the nickel downstream, electric vehicle, and stainless steel industries.

Among the issues highlighted were higher taxes and mineral royalties, tighter foreign exchange retention rules for exporters, reductions in nickel ore mining quotas, and stricter work visa requirements for foreign workers. The chamber also warned that the policies could affect future investment, exports, and employment linked to Indonesia’s nickel industry.

Amid the concerns, Todotua stressed that maintaining a conducive and competitive investment environment remained the government’s top priority. He said Indonesia continued to offer a strong appeal to global investors due to its abundant natural resources, large domestic market, and strategic geographic position.

He also expressed optimism that Indonesia could become a key destination for investment growth, particularly under the current administration’s push to accelerate downstream industrialization.

Through the government’s industrialization program, Indonesia aims to process more domestic commodities — including coal, oil, and gas, and agricultural products — within the country to generate greater added value for the economy.

“Our foremost task is to create a conducive and healthy investment climate,” Todotua Pasaribu said.

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