Google expresses interest in Indonesia, lays out terms

JAKARTA. Blue-chip Internet company Google has expressed an interest in investing in Indonesia, and is discussing its terms with the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM).

BKPM chief Gita Wirjawan said the board had been communicating intensively with Google.

"Google is considering investing in Indonesia by establishing PT Google Indonesia," Gita said Wednesday.

He added that Google had presented BKPM with two terms and conditions for investment. First, that it does not have to build a data center in Indonesia, and second that Google must be allowed to earn an income through online advertising.

Both terms have been forwarded and discussed with the Communication and Information Technology Ministry, Gita said.

"If there is no wish to invest, we are ready to be reactive by readying fiscal and non-fiscal barriers that do not rub against international rules," he said. (The Jakarta Post)