Avoid Economic Policies with Negative Impacts, President Jokowi Tells G-20 Leaders

President Jokowi attends Session I of the 2016 G20 Summit on Sunday (4/9), at Hangzhou International Expo Center (HIEC), Hangzhou, the People’s Republic of China

In a bid to improve global economy, President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo called on G20 member countries to have national and international commitment in synergizing fiscal and monetary policies and structural reforms.

President Jokowi also urged G20 member countries to join hands and avoid economic policies that bring negative impacts for the member countries. “G20 must enhance its communication and avoid policies that have negative impacts. In addition, each economic policy must have agenda for a solid and inclusive growth,” President Jokowi said at the first session of the 2016 G20 Summit on Sunday (4/9) at the Hangzhou International Expo Center (HIEC).

President Jokowi believes that Indonesia, which has a higher economic growth than the average of G20 member countries, will play a significant role in the global economic development because the Indonesian Government is determined to keep its economy more open. “Indonesia is committed to maintaining an open and competitive economy. I personally will continue to maintain this inclusive economy,” the President said.

On that occasion, President Jokowi also hopes G20 member countries can provide assistance in developing digital economy in developing countries.

“I hope G20 member countries can provide assistance in bridging digital divide between developed and developing countries, and also enhance cooperation in the technology development among G20 member countries,” the President added.

Moreover, President Jokowi also reminded all of the importance of infrastructure development to improve the economic growth.

The President also invited G20 member countries to cooperate with Indonesia in its infrastructure development program.

“Indonesia is currently focused on expediting infrastructure development. We also welcome the cooperation with other G20 member countries on infrastructure development,” the President stated.

For the record, President Jokowi is scheduled to be a keynote speaker on the second session of the Summit to be held on Monday (5/9), discussing financial planning and global economy.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi, Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani Indrawati, and Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung also joined the President in the event. (DID/BPMI/ES) (RAS/EP/YM/Naster)