President Jokowi: If We Don’t Change, We Will Be Left Behind

President Jokowi gave instruction in Government Working Meeting, at Hall B3, JIExpo Kemayoran, Jakarta, Wednesday (28/3). (Photo: Agung/PR)

During the Government Working Meeting on Accelerating the Implementation of Doing Business in the Regions held at Hall B3, JIExpo Kemayoran, Jakarta, Wednesday (28/3),  President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo told regencies/cities that do not yet have a task force on Accelerating the Implementation of Doing Business to set it up immediately.

“Because we do not want to lose. We are a big country with great natural and human resources, but our exports are behind those of Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam, ” President Jokowi said.

“We’ve already been left behind in term of exports and investment from the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam. If we do not want to change, we will be left behind from Laos and Cambodia.” President Jokowi said.

In fact, President Jokowi continued, Indonesia has abundant natural and human resources and stated that the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has already reached more than 1 trillion US dollars.  According to the President, if Indonesia  can boost its exports and investments, the GDP can be more than that. “The key is all of you: Regents, Mayors, and Speakers of the  House of Regional Legislative Council (DPRD),” the President concluded.

Also attending the event were Vice President Jusuf Kalla, Coordinating Minister for Economy Darmin Nasution, Minister of Home Affairs Tjahjo Kumolo, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, Presidential Chief of Staff Moeldoko, Minister of Communication and Informatics Rudiantara, Minister of Law and Human Rights Yasonna H. Laoly, Chairman of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Thomas Lembong, Regents/Mayors, and Chairman of the Regional Legislative Council (DPRD) from all over Indonesia. (RSF/MRA/AGG/ES) (STU/EP/Naster)