President Jokowi Opens 2023 National Coordination Meeting of Regional Leaders Forum
President Jokowi opens the 2023 National Coordination Meeting of Regional Leaders Forum (Forkopimda) at the Sentul International Convention Center, Sentul, West Java. (Photo by: PR of Cabinet Secretariat/Oji)
President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Tuesday (01/17) at the Sentul International Convention Center, Sentul, West Java, opened the 2023 National Coordination Meeting of Regional Leaders Forum (Forkopimda).
On that occasion, President Jokowi expressed appreciation for the hard work of the Central Government and regional governments in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic and maintaining the country’s economic growth.
“Alhamdulillah, we managed to handle the pandemic well and maintain economic stability so it stood in a very good position. Thanks to the hard work of us all,” the President said.
The President went on to say that because of the support from various national elements, Indonesia has administered 448 million doses of coronavirus vaccine.
“Injecting 448 million doses of vaccine is not an easy thing, but since every national element gets involved, including the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI), the National Police, all governors, regents, mayors, down to neighborhood units (RT) and community units (RW), we could manage to tackle the pandemic well,” he said.
The President likened the pandemic handling in the country to the concept of “Total Football”.
“We implemented Total Football strategy at that time because everyone played their roles in tackling the pandemic,” he said, adding that Indonesia recorded positive economic growth amid the pandemic and global economic slowdown.
In the Q3 of 2022, the Indonesia’s economy grew by 5.72 percent, while in the Q4, it is estimated to grow by 5.2 to 5.3 percent.
“This is an excellent achievement because in the Q3 we grew by 5.72, higher than that of other countries’ average,” he said.
Regardless of the success in facing economic turbulence last year, the President also reminded the nation to stay alert and remain vigilant since 2023 will still be a challenging year for global economy.
“Everyone must be careful, work hard, and monitor all information and data on the ground so any policy we formulate will not go in the wrong direction. The policy designed must be based on data and facts on the ground,” he stressed.
In the meantime, Minister of Home Affairs Tito Karnavian revealed that collaboration between the central and regional institutions has led to the country’s economic growth stability.
“The inflation rate is well controlled. According to data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS), in September 2022, the inflation rate stood at 5.95 percent, then it dropped to 5.71 percent in October 2022, and it slipped by 5.40 percent in November 2022. There was a slight increase of 5.51 percent in December due to a seasonal demand pattern during Christmas and New Year’s celebrations,” Tito said.
Held under the theme of “Economic Growth and Inflation Control”, the 2023 National Coordination Meeting of Regional Leaders Forum was attended by 4,545 participants and divided into four-panel discussions.
The four-panel discussions include economic growth and inflation control; strengthening investment, downstreaming, and business licensing; COVID-19 handling, stunting, poverty and social safety nets; political stability, law, security and supervision.
“Through this good momentum, the four panels are expected to produce inputs and directions regarding applicable measures that must be taken by regional governments,” Tito remarked. (FID/MAY/UN) (RIF/MUR)
