President Jokowi Asks Business World to Leave ‘Wait and See’ Stance

President Joko Widodo delivers his keynote speech at the Public Forum (Sarasehan) of 100 Indonesian Economists on Tuesday (12/12), at Grand Sahid Jaya Hotel, Central Jakarta

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo criticized business world for staying at ‘wait and see’ stance to invest because Indonesia to enter the upcoming political year of 2018.

“Until when you will stay at ‘wait and see’ stance? In 2014, you took ‘wait and see’ stance because of the Presidential Election. In 2015, once again at ‘wait and see’ stance because of more than 150 Regional Elections. The same stance was also took during 101 Regional Elections in 2016. Will you also take this stance again in 2018 when 171 regional elections will take place, and in 2019 when Presidential Election will be held?,” President Jokowi said in his keynote speech at the Public Forum (Sarasehan) of 100 Indonesian Economists on Tuesday (12/12), at Grand Sahid Jaya Hotel, Central Jakarta.

President Jokowi reminded all that political and economic perceptions should be separated so that both sectors can run well.

When quoting a statement of Coordinating Minister for the Economy Darmin Nasution, President Jokowi said that political contestation increases spending.

“There will be an increase because of spendings on advertisement, banner, supporter shirts, and basic commodities.” President Jokowi added.

“That means all sides should make a move so that the politics can run smoothly, and the economy as well.

Regarding the rising of political activities in the upcoming Simultaneous Regional Elections, President Jokowi reminded the participants that this is not the first time for Indonesia to hold such event, and also not the first time to hold a Presidential Election.

“Previous elections were successfully and safely held. Our economy was not affected by the elections which were previously held,” President Jokowi said.

Accompanying President Jokowi during the event were Coordinating Minister for the Economy Darmin Nasution, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, and Head of Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Thomas Lembong. (FID/RAH/ES) (RAS/MMB/YM/Naster)