Jakarta- Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s commitment to contributing to the development of the new capital, Nusantara, must be welcomed by the government, according to the Institute for Development of Economics and Finance (INDEF).

“I believe this is good progress. If more investors express their intention to participate in the new capital’s development, then it would be better,” the institute’s deputy director, Eko Listiyanto, told ANTARA in Jakarta on Monday.

The government, particularly ministries involved in the new capital’s development, must promptly take follow-up action to respond to the Crown Prince’s commitment and opportunities that may follow, he said.

The deputy director noted that Indonesia and Saudi Arabia have enjoyed a very productive relationship in various sectors such as education, social and culture, and other aspects.

Indonesia also contributes the greatest percentage of Hajj pilgrims to Saudi Arabia annually, which has significantly bolstered cooperation between the countries, he said.

“On the economic aspect, we need to follow up commitments made by the Saudi government. If more developed and rich countries invest in the new capital, and we promptly follow up their commitment, it would be better as well,” Listiyanto remarked. Earlier, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had expressed his commitment to supporting the development of the new capital to Coordinating Minister of Maritime and Investment Affairs, Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, during the latter’s visit to Riyadh last week.

The Crown Prince had also expressed his intention to participate in the national sovereign wealth fund, Indonesia Investment Authority (INA).

In response to the Crown Prince’s commitment, Pandjaitan said that he will set up a team that will visit Riyadh to follow up on the commitment for the new capital.

The coordinating minister also affirmed that the Crown Prince will reciprocate his visit and meet with President Joko Widodo in the near future.

Source: Antara News