Economic Growth of 5.17 Percent Should be Grateful For, President Jokowi Says

President Jokowi responds to reporters questions after attending the 2019 National CNY Celebration, at the JI Expo Kemayoran, Jakarta, Thursday (7/2). (Photo by : OJI/ PR Division)
President Joko Jokowi Widodo asserted that Indonesias economic growth that reaches 5.17 percent is considered stable compared to other countries.
We should be grateful for that, do not be an ungrateful person, President Jokowi responded to reporters questions after attending the 2019 National Chinese Lunar New Year Celebration, at the JI Expo Kemayoran, Jakarta, Thursday (7/2).
The statement was made by the President to respond to the report of the National Statistics Agency (BPS) on Indonesian economy in 2018 which grew by 5.17 percent or higher than the previous year that stood at 5.07 percent. In fact, it is the highest growth in the last 4 (four) years.
It shows an upward trend; compared to the previous years, the growth during 2018 is higher, Head of the BPS Suhariyanto said during a press statement, at the Agencys Headquarters, Jakarta, on Wednesday (6/2).
President Jokowi went on to say that, 5.17 percent growth is also considered higher than other countries, for example the G20 members.
The Head of State also reminded people that Indonesia is a country with gross domestic product (GDP) of more than US$1 trillion per year, not to mention that Indonesias inflation rate remains low at 3.13 percent.
Since we are blessed with economic growth of more than 5 percent and inflation rate at 3.13 percent, we must be grateful because the current global economic condition is still unstable , President Jokowi firmly said.
Regarding the Governments efforts to increase Indonesias economic growth, the President said that there are two factors to materialize it: first, to encourage exports and control imports, as well as to encourage import substitution products, and second, to boost investment. Therefore, he instructed related ministries to simplify permits and improve permitting services, be it in central or regional offices.(RSF/OJI/ES)
Translated by : Rany Anjany Subachrum
Edited by : Mia Medyana