REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, PALEMBANG -- The economic crisis has presented an opportunity for investment to foreign investors, as the Rupiah exchange rate has weakened against the U.S. dollar, Industry Minister, Saleh Husin stated.

"The crisis, in fact is an opportunity for those who want to invest in Indonesia. The global economic crisis has made it possible for investors to buy an additional 1.5 hectares of land for the same price than before," Saleh said on Saturday.

He made these comments while speaking at a seminar entitled, "Opportunities and Challenges in Indonesia Facing the ASEAN Economic Community" at Sriwijaya University.

He added that crisis is expected to enhance development of Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in some provinces.

South Sumatra, which is currently building an SEZ in the Tanjung Api-Api district, is expected to take advantage of this opportunity to become a more competitive and industrialized area.

The minister pointed out that investors are very important in helping governments industrialize areas outside Java.

"Talk about industrialization is no longer limited to Java. Because Indonesia has extraordinary potential and resources, it should be developed for peoples prosperity," he noted.

Tanjung Api Api has an area of 1,000 hectares that will be designated as a port for exports and imports, as well as for Special Economic Zones.

The local government predicted it will need Rp104 trillion of its budget for the construction of ports, highway, mono rails, and industrial areas.

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