Indonesian Finance Minister Launches Business Complaint Initiative

New Mechanism to Address Investment Barriers

Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa has pledged to improve Indonesia's business climate through the establishment of a dedicated complaint center for entrepreneurs. The new mechanism aims to address persistent investment barriers and enhance the country's competitiveness against regional rivals such as Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, and Malaysia.

Minister's Experience with Complex Cases

Purbaya highlighted his relevant experience, having presided over 600 investment-related cases between 2016 and 2019. He humorously compared his dispute resolution skills to those of Abu Nawas, a legendary figure known for his clever judgments. The minister recalled successfully resolving 193 investment cases worth Rp894 trillion during his tenure as Deputy Chair of Debottlenecking at the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs, Maritime Affairs, and Political, Legal, and Security Affairs.

Addressing the Gap Between Government and Business Perceptions

Purbaya noted a significant discrepancy between government and business perceptions of investment barriers. While government reports often indicated positive conditions, business reports revealed numerous challenges. To bridge this gap, the government has formed a Working Group (Pokja) focused on resolving business obstacles. The new complaint mechanism will allow businesses to report issues directly, which will then be addressed through formal proceedings led by the minister.

Commitment to Dedicated Resolution Process

Purbaya has committed to dedicating one full day each week to lead the debottlenecking process. He emphasized that this personal commitment stems from his previous experience in handling complex investment cases. The new initiative represents a significant step towards improving Indonesia's business environment and enhancing its competitiveness in the region.