Indonesian group seeks partner for infrastructure, energy projects

MANILA, Philippines — An Indonesian group is looking to partner with a local firm to tap opportunities in the infrastructure and energy sectors in the country.

During a business forum organized by Asxend International Group of Companies, Indonesian businessman Irman Gusman, who served as chairman of Indonesia’s Senate, said his group is interested in partnering with a local firm  for infrastructure and energy projects in the Philippines.

He said he is currently in talks with sovereign wealth funds in the Middle East interested to invest in projects in Indonesia and the Philippines.

With sovereign wealth funds in the Middle East looking for projects to invest in, he said Indonesia and the Philippines can collaborate in undertaking projects using those funds.

“We are looking for an opportunity to develop a highway, toll road, of course with our partner from the Middle East,” he said.

He said they are also interested in opportunities in green energy projects.

He said having a local partner would help the group deal with the regulations in the country.

Gusman led a visiting delegation from Indonesia looking for business opportunities in the Philippines.

Aside from infrastructure and green energy projects, he said the group is also interested in opportunities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

“We want to come to [BARMM to] see the potential and see where we can cooperate,” he said.

He said having clear policies in place would help encourage more Indonesian businesses to invest in the country.

“As long as the energy policy is there, the tax policy is there, I think the businessmen in Indonesia can participate,” he said.