Jakarta, April 28 -- Several South Korean companies have expressed interest in channeling an additional US$1.7 billion in capital into Indonesia, according to Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto.

He made the announcement after accompanying President Prabowo Subianto to a meeting with representatives from 19 South Korean companies at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta on Monday.

"Thus far, the 19 companies have invested nearly US$15.4 billion in Indonesia. Moreover, they are planning to inject another US$1.7 billion here," he told the media.

Hartarto highlighted that among the companies is Lotte Chemicals, which is preparing for the inauguration of Indonesia's largest petrochemical factory in September or October t...