Musrenbangnas Must Be Adaptive to Current Situation, President Jokowi Says

President Jokowi delivers directives at the 2020 National Development Planning Conference through a video conference on Thursday (30/4). (Photo by: Rahmat/PR).

The National Development Planning Conference (Musrenbangnas) agenda must be truly adaptive to the developing situation as what is being planned now will serve as a foundation for next year, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has said.

“We’ve made adjustments to development targets this year, such as spending reallocation and refocusing on a large scale. We shift priorities to three things: health sector, social safety nets for the disadvantaged, and economic stimulus so businesses can survive and prevent layoffs,” the President said during the 2020 National Development Planning Conference through a video conference from the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Thursday (30/4).

According to the President, the Government will also ensure the safety of all Indonesian people although there is no certainty when the pandemic will end.

“We have to brace ourselves with alternative scenarios [against the pandemic],” he said.

The Head of State also expressed belief that with discipline, speed, and accuracy, the country will be able to get through this difficult situation as the Government has prepared measures to mitigate health and economic impacts, as well as recovery measures once the situation improves.

“I am optimistic that the country’s economy will rebound next year. We need speed to deal with COVID-19 and to recover,” he said, adding that the current pandemic situation provides an opportunity to examine what needs to be improved, reformed, and restored immediately.

The President went on to say it is time to calculate the country’s social, economic and food security as well as our dependence on other countries.

“It is time to look into the country’s potentials. Take for example, what is happening in the health sector, the pharmaceutical industry. 95 percent of raw materials for medicines are still imported,” he said, adding that the number of doctors, specialist doctors, nurses and hospital facilities such beds and laboratories also deserve attention.

“The ongoing pandemic should serve as a wake-up call for us to give importance on health security and to deal with imminent food crisis that threatens the world,” he said.

To that end, food security is of particular importance, the President added.

The President also raised the issue in energy sector, particularly the country’s readiness amid the current volatility of world crude oil prices.

“We must devise strategies to reduce dependence on fossil energy with bioenergy or batteries as the options. We will also determine the direction of research and development of new renewable energy,” the President said. (TGH/UN/EN)

Translator: Muhardi
Reviewed by: M. Ersan Pamungkas