Introductory Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Plenary Cabinet Meeting on the Preparations for This Year’s Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr and the Government Work Plan, the Macroeconomic Framework and the Fiscal Policy Principles for 2025, at State Palace, Jakarta Special Capital Region, February 26, 2024

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

Good morning,

May prosperity be upon all of us.

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

In today’s Plenary Cabinet Meeting, I would like to communicate several issues.

Firstly, in March we will enter the month of Ramadan and later in April we will celebrate Eid al-Fitr 1445 H.

I order all relevant ministries/institutions to stay alert and ensure that the people can worship peacefully and solemnly. Therefore, I order them primarily to maintain food supplies and food price stability, especially those related to basic commodities, and also accelerate the distribution of all social protection and social security packages.

Secondly, we must check thoroughly the readiness of the infrastructure and modes of transportation that people will use to return to their hometowns. I think we always prepare for it every year because this is an annual event.

Thirdly, it is related to the Government Work Plan and the Fiscal Policy for 2025. The 2025 Government Work Plan and the Fiscal Policy serve as the bridge to maintain the continuity of development and accommodate programs of the president elected as the result of the 2024 Presidential Election.

However, while also waiting for the official calculation results from the General Election Commission, we must prepare the 2025 State Budget Plan taking into account the results of the Presidential Election because the 2025 State Budget will be implemented by the elected president.

Fourthly, with regard to the 2025 Macroeconomic Framework, we must truly understand and keep a close eye on the situation and the risks resulting from global economic uncertainty. We are all aware that several countries such as Japan and the United Kingdom have entered economic recession so anticipation in setting growth targets must also reflect caution, but we must also maintain optimism and credibility. We must also sharpen the focus of the Central Government’s and regional governments’ programs by preparing contingency plans, in the event of turmoil and crisis.

Finally, when preparing the macro fiscal posture and the Fiscal Policy Principles for 2025, take notice that the economic transformation that we have undergone over the last 10 years must continue so that our fiscal policy can support the sustainability of economic transformation.

That concludes my introductory remarks.

I thank you.

Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.