Indonesia’s Economic Growth Improving, Minister Says

Minister of National Development Planning (PPN) / Head of National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) Suharso Monoarfa delivers his press statement, at the Presidential Office, Jakarta, Thursday (5/11). (Photo by: PR/Jay)

The positive trend in the third quarter shows that the adaptation process of Indonesia’s economic growth in facing the COVID-19 pandemic is improving, Minister of National Development Planning (PPN) / Head of the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) Suharso Monoarfa has said.

The Minister made the statement during a media briefing at the Presidential Office, Jakarta, Thursday (5/11).

“The rise of 5 percent quarter-to-quarter (qtq) in the third quarter shows that the adaptation process of the Indonesian economy amid the pandemic is improving, higher than that of ASEAN countries average. The growth also shows that policies taken by the Government are responsive and adaptive to vast developments,” he said.

According to the Minister, the Government will maintain a balance between public health and economic recovery as directed by the President.

“We will continue to focus on prioritizing the balance, not only handling public health but also economic recovery,” Suharso said.

On that occasion, the Minister also expressed belief that the country’s economic growth will continue to improve in the fourth quarter and in 2021 as the Government spending increases.

“We hope we can achieve a growth rate that is close to zero by the end of this year,” he said.

The Government, he added, has also anticipated next year’s developments in the State Budget. All the administrative process for 2021 programs is expected to be completed in November-December this year, so the Government spending will become the prime mover and locomotive to increase public consumption.

Suharso also expressed his belief that the economic growth rate can stand at 5 percent in the fourth quarter.

“Regarding the quarterly growth, we remain optimistic that the figure can reach 5 percent. I hope we can achieve the figure,” he added. (TGH / UN)

Translated by: Syarifah Aisyah
Reviewed by: M. Ersan Pamungkas