Gov’t Officials Urged to Stay Vigilant Amid Unstable Global Condition, Political Tension

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo at the State Palace, Jakarta, Monday (07/03) chaired plenary cabinet meeting on financial report for the first semester of the 2023 State Budget (APBN) implementation.

In his remarks, President Jokowi called on government officials to stay alert over the situation in the second half of the year due to unstable global conditions and ongoing political tensions.

“The situation we are facing in the second half of 2023 is not easy. There are a few things to be aware of. They include an unstable global environment and current geopolitical tensions, which cause a significant impact on the economy and weak trade activities,” the President said.

On that occasion, the President highlighted six points of note. They are as follows:

“First, we must focus on potential crises and must prioritize community as well as national interests. Do not let any government programs be hampered due to political competition,” he said.

Second, the President urged his ranks to anticipate and forecast state revenues, including taxes, customs, and non-tax state revenue (PNBP) in order to achieve the target. Minister of Finance’s report shows that the state revenues in the first semester of 2023 remained stable.

“Tax revenues are not higher than that of last year. Customs revenues and the PNBP are also affected since commodity prices are lower than last year. We need to understand the risks and manage everything as best as we can,” he explained.

Third, the Head of State also urged government officials to take several measures, including boosting household consumption and maintaining the availability and prices of food ingredients which can have an impact on inflation so Indonesia’s economy continues to grow positively in the second semester of this year.

“Keep the inflation rate in the regions under control. Ensure investment achievement meets the target. This is the key. Regarding food sector, ensure the availability of fertilizer is right on target. And, maintain both monetary stability and stability in the banking sector, this is also essential,” he stressed.

Fourth, the President also reminded the Central Government and regional governments to maximize the realization of state budget expenditures and regional revenue and expenditure budgets.

“Do prioritize the spending on goods and capital on domestic products. Ensure all social assistance programs are distributed on time and well-targeted. Do not lose focus on industry downstreaming, renewable energy infrastructure, and green economy. Do study and examine programs that have not been implemented in the state budget, [in particular] the causes and the follow-ups,” he affirmed.

Fifth, the President ordered government officials to anticipate potential long dry season due to El Nino and potential forest and land fires.

“We’ve built thousands, more than five thousand, ponds, and 38 dams. [The target is] 61 dams will be completed by next year. However, water supply related-matters must be well managed,” he added.

Sixth, the President called on relevant officials to maintain political stability and public security in the 2024 election stages so the elections will run smoothly.

“Do constantly oversee non-judicial settlements of past gross human rights violations and carry out the restoration of security in Papua as quickly as possible, especially in Nduga regency, Intan Jaya, and other regencies,” the President remarked. (MAY/UN) (RIF/MMB)