Media Release

Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Group to Inaugurate the Country Gateway Office in Indonesia

Jakarta, December 11, 2014 – Islamic Development Bank (IDB) Group officially opened the new Country Gateway Office as its strategic presence in Indonesia. The IDB Group decided to launch its Country Gateway Office in Indonesia, following the signing of the Bank Group’s Host Country Agreement in February 2013. The inauguration ceremony of the Country Gateway Office was held on 11 December 2014 in Jakarta, Indonesia at the Kempinski Grand Ballroom. The ceremony was hosted by H.E Prof. Bambang Brodjonegoro, Minister of Finance of the Republic of Indonesia and H.E. Dr. Ahmed Mohamad Ali, President of the IDB Group, and attended by Ministers of the Republic of Indonesia, Ambassadors of IDB Member Countries, high-level government officials, private sector representatives, country representatives of international institutions and eminent personalities.

In his speech, H.E Dr. Ahmed Mohamad Ali, President of the IDB Group, expressed his appreciation to the Government of the Republic of Indonesia for facilitating the opening of the Country Gateway Office of the IDB in Jakarta, Indonesia. He expressed his hope that the Bank Group’s Office will strengthen ties and collaboration between the IDB and Indonesia. Leveraging on its key strengths, the IDB Group Country Gateway Office will serve as a platform for all entities of the IDB Group to effectively implement projects and programs, expand cooperation in Islamic financial products and services, trade and project financing, and technical and advisory services, both in public and private sectors. The office will also result in more effective management of IDB Group’s portfolio in Indonesia and for generating increased business opportunities particularly in transportation, energy and public-private partnerships.

During his address, H.E. Prof. Bambang Brodjonegoro, the Minister of Finance of the Republic of Indonesia, recognized that the Indonesia Country Gateway Office will be the Islamic Development Bank Group‘s second establishment after Turkey, and it constitutes a renewed commitment to Indonesia as one if its founding members. The timing of the opening cannot be better as it coincides with the start of the new Government, with new initiatives and programs on how to deliver more prosperity to the people of Indonesia. He was confident that the Islamic Development Bank Group will take advantage of this opportunity by enhancing its support and engagement with the new government and aligning its cooperation strategy with the government current development priorities. Furthermore, he expressed his delight that the Bank has recruited a number of local staffs to support the operation of the office. This approach is greatly appreciated by the government since it will open new opportunity for local talents to contribute actively in one of the most renowned Islamic financial institution in the world.

H.E. Prof. Bambang Brodjonegoro and H.E Dr. Ahmad Mohamed Ali inaugurated the Country Gateway Office with a traditional gong ceremony and also took the opportunity to visit the new office premises for cutting of the ribbon.

Located in the Office8 building, Sudirman Central Business District (SCBD), the IDB Country Gateway Office in Indonesia will have international and local staff representing all IDBG entities. The office will be headed by Mr. Ibrahim Shoukry, Resident Representative of the IDB Group who comes with vast exposure of the Bank’s operational activities and with over 23 years of experience in the private sector.