Jakarta. BP Batam head Muhammad Rudi hosted a visit by Johor’s chief minister Onn Hafiz Ghazi on Friday.

During the trip, Onn Hafiz visited the Bintang 99 Batu Ampar port, in which the roll-on/roll-off ship for the Batam-Tanjung Belungkor Johor would dock. According to Rudi, the ship is expected to improve the region’s connectivity and spur economic opportunities.

“We are still discussing the ship’s route. But it is our responsibility to prepare the port supporting infrastructure,” Rudi was quoted as saying in a press statement.

Rudi said that Onn Hafiz’s visit could strengthen Batam-Malaysia ties, particularly in terms of investment cooperation. Malaysia was one of Batam’s foreign largest investors throughout 2023. Government data shows that Malaysian investments were worth $15.8 million that year, with the money going to 96 projects. Malaysian investments also grew 158.34 percent year-on-year (yoy) compared to the previous year.

“I hope we can maintain our ties which we have built since a long time ago. Of course, we all want these investments to continue to grow, so they can deliver economic impact to the people,” Rudi said.

Onn Hafiz is scheduled to have bilateral talks at BP Batam’s headquarters on Saturday. The meeting will zero in on a number of strategic issues related to investment plans, tourism sector development, labor, industry, and trade.

“BP Batam needs everyone’s support to help grow our foreign direct investments as well as tourism and other sectors. Hopefully, the upcoming meeting will bring lots of benefits for Batam’s progress and also that of the Riau Islands,” Rudi said.