Indonesia’s Economy in Q1 of 2024 Grows 5.11 Percent: Gov’t

President Jokowi inaugurated the implementation of IJD in NTB, on Tuesday (05/02). (Source: Humas Setkab/Rahmat)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Tuesday (05/07) inaugurated the Indonesia Digital Test House (IDTH) at the Balai Besar Pengujian Perangkat Telekomunikasi (BBPPT) in the city of Depok, West Java Province.

According to the President, the IDTH is an international standard testing facility equipped with advanced equipment that will be used to test various types of digital devices from both domestic and international sources, ranging from mobile phones to digital television access points.

“[They are] from abroad and from at home. All of it. For everything, for cars with electric car devices and digital devices, which are now also very sophisticated, mobile phones, Bluetooth, access points, and other device items,” the President, adding that this is a very sophisticated and important digital device testing facility for keeping up with the rapid advances in digital technology.

“We are pursuing the changes in digital technology that happen rapidly. If we do not update the testing digital technology devices, we will fall behind, but this is indeed a very sophisticated telecommunications device testing facility and it is very necessary,” he said.

The Head of State also expressed gratitude for the report on Indonesia’s economic growth, which reached 5.11 percent in the first quarter of 2024. According to him, Indonesia’s economic growth shows optimism amid the recession that is currently faced by many countries.

“Yes, this creates optimism that other countries, major countries, one, two, three have already fallen into the recession, other countries also see a declining trend, but we managed to grow 5.11 percent,” he said.

“I think we should be grateful because consumption largely supports this. But also, the second is supported by investments that continue to come into our country,” he added.

On the same occasion, the President also responded to the closure of a shoe factory in the Purwakarta area, West Java at the beginning of the year.

“Regarding the factory closing, a business goes up and down due to competition, or perhaps efficiency, and to compete with newer, more in-demand goods. I think there are many reasons,” he said.

The President also expressed optimism regarding the investment in electric vehicles, which he believes will increase with the establishment of IDTH, while adding that many companies have entered and more will continue to come.

“Yes, this is also to support that. For example, like electric cars, there are already five companies here. Electric motorcycles already have 59 companies. It’s huge. Unexpectedly, everything is already here. The new ones that will come, I think this will make our electric vehicle ecosystem increasingly strong,” he remarked. (ECH/ABD) (AS/EP)