President Jokowi Calls on G-20 Leaders to Join Hands in Fight Against Covid-19

President Jokowi during the G-20 Summit through a video conference at the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java, Thursday (26/3). (Photo by: BPMI).

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has appealed to the G-20 leaders to join hands to fight against the ongoing covid-19 outbreak and to stimulate the weakening global economy.

The President made the statement during the G-20 Summit through a video conference from the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java Province, Thursday (26/3).

“We must boost cooperation to fight against covid-19,” the President said.

According to the President, G-20 member countries must become a drive to world solidarity movement in handling the outbreak so it will not disrupt partnerships and cooperation that have been built for years.

“For this reason, the G-20 must actively lead efforts to find anti-virus and drugs for covid-19 in cooperation with the World Health Organization,” the President said.

The Head of State also encouraged G-20 member countries to work together and synchronize economic policies and instruments to counter economic downturn due to the pandemic.

“We must nip global economic recession in the bud through coordinated fiscal and monetary policies. We must also expand and strengthen social safety net, particularly for micro, small, and medium enterprises,” he said.

The Indonesian President also encouraged the G-20 to maintain stability of financial sector, including maintaining the availability of liquidity and provision of ease and support for business communities affected by covid-19.

“Global financial turmoil requires foreign exchange support. I also support increased role of global and regional financial safety net including through the special drawing right (SDR) swap line and currency swap facility, such as the Chiang Mai Initiative,” the President said, adding that G-20 member countries must also play their roles to prevent production disruption and maintain smooth distribution of goods, particularly, staple food and health equipment.

“We must foster world trust to overcome the ongoing crises,” the President said. (BPMI/EN)

Translator: Muhardi
Reviewed by: M. Ersan Pamungkas