President Jokowi: IMF-WBG Annual Meeting Will Bring Huge Impact for Indonesia

President Jokowi answers reporters’ questions after delivering general lecture at University of North Sumatera, Medan, Monday (8/10. (Photo: Rahmat/PR)

“The International Monetary Fund (IMF) – World Bank Group (WBG) Annual Meeting to be held in Bali, October 8-14, will be attended by around 15,000 participants from various countries. This event will bring huge impact for our country. This is our opportunity to present good image of Indonesia as a host,” said President Jokowi to reporters after delivering a general lecture at University of North Sumatra (USU), Medan, Monday (8/10), in response to several criticisms regarding the meeting.

Regarding the budget, President Jokowi said that the money was used to expand apron capacity of Ngurah Rai International Airport, Denpasar, Bali, as well as to build underpass highway at intersections in Denpasar in order to reduce traffic jams.

“This means that we will continue to use the underpass and airport apron facilities. The budget spends on infrastructure projects will not be spent in vain,” the President continued.

However, the budget for more than 15,000 participants is funded by themselves, President Jokowi emphasized.

President Jokowi also expressed hope that the IMF-WBG Annual Meeting will improve Indonesia’s tourism promotion.

“That is our goal,” President Jokowi concluded. (DNA / RAH / ES) (STU/YM/Naster)