2020 Budget Bill Focuses on Human Capital Development: President Jokowi

By Office of Assistant to Deputy Cabinet Secretary for State Documents & Translation     Date 5 Agustus 2019
Category: News
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President Jokowi gives direction at a plenary cabinet meeting, at the State Palace, Jakarta, Monday (5/8). (Photo by: Agung/PR)

Amidst external shocks and global economy that is still full of uncertainties next year, the 2020 state budget bill must focus on strength and resilience of national economy and investment in human capital, according to President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo.

“We hope the 2020 state budget can serve as the main instrument to boost the country’s economic competitiveness, particularly in exports and investment,” President Jokowi said in his introductory remarks in a plenary cabinet meeting on the 2020 State Budget Bill and its Financial Note at the State Palace, Jakarta, Monday (5/8).

The President also expressed hope that the bill will be managed in a focused, well-directed and well-targeted manner and the benefits could be felt by the people.

On that occasion, President Jokowi also stressed that investment in human capital could not be delayed because human resources development requires the presence of the state.

“We take into account our human capital development starting from the womb, babies, to entering the golden age. We must no longer have stunting cases in the country,” the President said, adding that Indonesia’s quality of education and training system must also be re-designed.

Reforms in education and training system, the President added, are also key aspect both in vocational training and vocational education.

Regarding research and innovation, the President said that the National Research Agency must be immediately established so that Indonesia can keep up in this age of technological disruption.

President Jokowi further said that the State Budget contributes only 14.5 percent to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP); hence, the most important thing is to stimulate private sectors to grow and flourish. “We must encourage large-scale investment to grow well to create employment as much as possible,” the President concluded. (FID/SLN/AGG/ES)

Translated by: Muhardi

Edited by: M. Ersan Pamungkas

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