Chinese Prime Minister, Li Keqiang, visited Jakarta last week, where he encouraged more Chinese companies to invest in Indonesia, particularly in infrastructure, while focusing on employing as much local labour as possible.

One of the business delegates accompanying the Prime Minister was from the state owned Power Construction Corporation of China (PowerChina - Sinohydro) who signed a cooperation agreement with local investor, PT Pembangunan Bali Mandiri (Pembari) in Jakarta to build the Kubutambahan airport in Buleleng on Bali's north coast.

Part of this agreement specifically addresses the issue of local labour, according to local news wires, stating only specialist technical assistance will be imported from China.

Chairman of Pembari, Ketut Suardhana is quoted as saying "We are very serious in engaging local and foreign partners to realize the intention of the people of North Bali to have a new airport in order to improve the welfare of the people of the North who are currently lagging far behind by their brothers in the South."

In addition, it is also being reported that Pembari have received a letter of support from the Bank of China for the Kubutambahan airport project.

PowerChina - Sinohydro has long history of doing business on mega projects in Indonesia including the Jati Gede Dam in West Java and Bengkulu power plant in South Sumatra. They also have experience in building airports across China and other countries according to Antara News.  

Sources: Antara News, Nusantara, Nusa Bali, Bisnis, Tempo, Metro Bali, Source Watch

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