Indonesia to take part in Riyadh investment conference

"I confirm that I will go there to attend the FII Conference.  I think it is important for me to represent the government in the conference unless there are other directives from the President," he stated in Jakarta on Thursday as reported by Antara news agency.

He stressed that attending any event in other countries was in line with President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo’s directive to expand the market for Indonesian goods and commodities, as well as to invite investors to put their money in Indonesia, especially in tourism.

He expressed his hope that Indonesia’s presence in the event would help attract investors, particularly from the Middle East countries.

Officials and business leaders from across the globe will reportedly attend the investment summit, despite the withdrawal of some speakers and partners because of Saudi Arabia’s alleged involvement in the disappearance and possible murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.

Lembong said he would represent President Jokowi at the conference. "We have to even intensify our dialog with countries in trouble," he said, referring to Indonesia’s stance on the Khashoggi case.