Hatta calls on local people, authority to keep good investment climate

By Bambang Atmaja

Coordinating Minister for Economy Hatta Rajasa pleaded both local community and authorities to help keep the already good investment climate.

Minister Hatta made the statement following the temporary closure of operation of China's Hong Kong-based gold and silver firm Martabe Project in North Sumatra after the community rejected the company's plan to build pipeline to discharge water to Batangtoru River.

"Local community and administration play important role to maintain the already good investment climate. I hope it (good investment climate) must be supported," said Hatta.

Moody's upgraded the Southeast Asia's largest economy credit rating to investment grade on Jan. 18 after Fitch's did similar suit on Dec. 15, putting Indonesia on the radar of global funds managers.

Martabe is to resume operation on Monday after the local administration settled the dispute.

Hatta also said that the companies operating in Indonesia must observe all aspects relating to protecting the environment.

Editing by Adianto P. Simamora