Jakarta-A joint venture of France, Japan and Indonesia, PT Wada Bay Nickel interested to invest a fund of $ 5 billion in Indonesia in order to enlarge the nickel smelting plant.

"I met president Weda Bay joint venture between the three French companies, Mitshubisi (Japan), and Antam, which will develop a nickel smelter. They will be ground breaking this year by investing $ 5 billion," said Coordinating Minister Hatta Rajasa in his office.

The development of the smelter, said Hatta, to be conducted in the area of ​​Halmahera. Hatta also reveal if the technology will be applied is the latest technology which is claimed environmentally friendly. "In Halmahera with enough eco-friendly technology," said Hatta.

Hatta emphasized this cooperation is one form of realization of the master plan that has been planned government. Then he insisted would continue to encourage investors to invest their capital in Indonesia, particularly in the processing sector. "This is part of our master plan," he concluded.

As is known, Weda Bay is currently owned by France's Eramet SA of 60 percent, Mitsubishi 30 percent, and Antam 30 percent. The factory built in the region of North Halmahera is an investment cost of about $ 4 billion.