Sweden’s interest in Indonesia continues to increase, especially with the improving performance of Indonesia in the last decade, both in terms of economic growth and democracy. Several investor groups have significant role in many large companies in Sweden, such as Atlas Copco, SEB, ABB, AstraZeneca, Ericsson, Electrolux, Husqvarna, NASDAQ OMX, Saab and Sobi and Mölnlycke Health Care, Aleris and Grand Hôtel.
The business movement of these investors was formed through two business areas, namely the Core Investments and Financial Investments. Core Investments represents the majority of investors as mentioned earlier, while the second consists of partial assets owned by Lindorff, Gambro, 3 Scandinavia, Kunskapsskolan, SamSari Act Group, and investment in the EQT Funds.
Related to this Swedish investment activity, the Swedish Trade Council together with 20 representatives of Swedish companies incorporated in the Novare Academy visit the Institute of International Studies, Faculty of Social and Political Sciences. During the visit, the delegation was received by Dean of the Faculty, Prof. Dr. Pratikno, accompanied by an advisor of the Institute, Prof. Dr. Mohtar Mas’oed, on Friday (22/10).
From this visit, the Swedish representatives hoped to gain experience and lessons about the dynamics of the business in Indonesia, especially in Yogyakarta. They also hoped to gain knowledge about the latest trend of business in Indonesia as well as expand their network in Indonesia.
Mohtar Mas’oed, a Professor of International Affairs UGM, explained that Novare Academy is a forum of Swedish investors in which its activities are focused on exchanging experiences and ideas on various matters related to business, such as business management. They come from various companies and institutions from different fields so make this forum enhance their knowledge sharing through various schemes. "The collaboration of these four factors is then a significant potential for investment in Indonesia," he said.
However, there are still other challenges in form of corruption and infrastructure issues in Indonesia and various macro-economic policies in Indonesia which are not evenly distributed. "Yet in this case Indonesia still has significant potential in terms of investment," he added, explaining various current conditions of Indonesia through the 4P approach, People, Place, Productivity, Politics.