OECD Lauds President Jokowi’s Leadership for Making Reforms in Indonesia’s Economic Sector

President Jokowi receives delegates of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, Thursday (08/10). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/Lukas)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Thursday (08/10) met with delegates of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) at Merdeka Palace in Jakarta.

According to Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani who joined the meeting, the OECD expressed appreciation for the leadership of President Jokowi in making reforms in several sectors to strengthen the national economy amidst global uncertainties.

“Secretary General [of the OECD] Cormann also expressed appreciation for the leadership of the President in taking reform measures because many reform measures in the investment sector and in the economic sector are very appropriate for Indonesia’s needs to strengthen its economy,” she said in her press statement following the meeting.

Sri Mulyani further stated that the cooperation between the Government of Indonesia and the OECD has lasted for quite a while and Indonesia is the main business partner of the OECD, adding that Indonesia and the OECD have carried out several cooperation programs, such as economic surveys and assessments on policies applicable in the country.

“Indonesia conducts assessments on policies related to State-Owned Enterprises and taxation, capital movement, public procurement, anti-corruption, and the environment,” she said.

As for Indonesia’s aim to become a member of the OECD, Sri Mulyani reported that the President expressed hope that the membership process can go well and swiftly, especially considering that Indonesia has made reforms to strengthen its economy that are in line with the requirements of OECD membership.

“Therefore, to become a member of the OECD, Indonesia does not have to start from zero as Indonesia has made reforms in many sectors that are in line with the needs for policy framework that is consistent with the OECD,” she said.

On that occasion, Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi who also attended the meeting stated that a meeting to discuss Indonesia’s membership of the OECD will be held shortly, adding that OECD member states also give strong support for Indonesia’s membership of the OECD.

“For the past few days, I have received letters from several foreign ministers that state strong support for Indonesia’s OECD membership,” she remarked. (BPMI of the Presidential Secretariat/AIT) (DH/MMB)