President Prabowo Subianto, National Economic Council Discuss Key Economic Strategies

Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, and Members of the National Energy Council (DEN) deliver statements at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Thursday (12/05). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/Rusman)

President Prabowo Subianto on Thursday (12/05) received Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, and Members of the National Economic Council (DEN) at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta.

On that occasion, the President and the DEN discussed various strategic economic issues, including public purchasing power, concrete measures to enhance investment competitiveness, and improving government spending efficiency.

Muhammad Chatib Basri, a member of the Council, highlighted the issue of middle-class purchasing power as a primary concern. He also emphasized the importance of balanced policies concerning provincial minimum wages (UMP).

“This relates to purchasing power on the one hand but also the competitiveness of industries on the other,” he explained.

In the meantime, Mari Elka Pangestu, Vice Chairperson of the DEN, stated that the discussion also included strategic steps to maintain short- and medium-term economic growth. Mari stressed the importance of attracting high-quality investments to strengthen the national manufacturing sector.

“We aim to attract investments that will also bring their supply chains, deepening the manufacturing sector and addressing structural issues within the industry,” she said.

Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Chairperson of the DEN, stated that several concrete steps are set to be implemented, including the launching of version 6 of the e-catalog next month. According to Luhut, the catalog will cover 95% of the State Budget (APBN) expenditures, which is expected to reduce significant inefficiencies.

Luhut expressed optimism that through government digitalization, the national economic growth target of 8% over the next five years could gradually be achieved.

“The combination of these initiatives, along with the digitalization of all government and ministerial data, will be immediately executed, eventually leading to the advancement of the Government technology,” Luhut said.

The meeting reflects President Prabowo’s commitment to strengthening the foundation of the national economy through synergy between the Government and the National Economic Council. The strategies and concrete measures are expected to address economic challenges in the short term and in the long term. (BPMI Setpres/DNS) (RI/LW)