President Jokowi Issues Directives to Mitigate Impacts of COVID-19 on Real Sector

President Jokowi gives an introduction at a limited meeting through a video conference on Wednesday (22/4). (Photo by: Deni/PR)

Measures taken to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on the real sector are very important, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo said.

“Real sector is hardest-hit by the COVID-19 outbreak, which also affects all sectors and all socioeconomic segments of our society,” the President said in his introductory remarks at a limited meeting through a video conference, Wednesday (22/4).

The Head of State also said that mitigation and economic stimulus are needed to help the most affected sectors, including the real sector that employs many people.

The President also expressed hope that the sector will manage to withstand the impact of the outbreak and there will be no layoffs.

For this reason, the President highlighted a number of things. They are as follows.

First, a rapid assessment is needed for all affected real sectors.

“Do analyze and sort out in detail the most affected sector, the sector that is mildly affected, and the sector that is still able to survive and can actually make the most of opportunities,” he said.

Second, the President noted that the sectors that need help are not only medium or small businesses but micro businesses as well.

“We’ve already talked about micro, small and medium businesses. I think these three sectors are very important,” he said, adding that economic stimulus must reach out to these sectors and the informal sector must not be ignored as it also provides employment for many labors.

Third, the scheme should be truly open, transparent and measurable.

The President also called for a thorough calculation, including the sectors, the stimulus, and the number of labors that can be saved.

“Everything should be verified in detail and evaluated periodically so the effectiveness of the economic stimulus can truly benefit the real sector,” he said. (TGH/EN)

Translator: Muhardi
Reviewed by: M. Ersan Pamungkas