President Jokowi: Pandemic is Momentum to Make Economic Fundamental Transformation

President Jokowi launches Kerthi Bali Economic Roadmap, at the Three Mountain Bamboo Pavilion, Kura-Kura Bali, Denpasar, Bali province, Friday (3/12). (Photo by: Presidential Secretariat/ Laily Rachev)

COVID-19 pandemic should serve as a momentum to make fundamental transformation, including a massive economic transformation to affirm Indonesia’s economic resilience, according to President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo.

“Everyone should long for it. Thus, we can affirm our economic resilience since the pandemic also provides us with the opportunity to make a leap of progress,” the President said in his remarks during the launching of Kerthi Bali Economic Roadmap, at the Three Mountain Bamboo Pavilion, Kura-Kura Bali, Denpasar, Bali province, Friday (3/12).

The Head of State also mentioned about the economic slowdown in the resort island of Bali since tourism sector is hit hard by the pandemic. Therefore, he appealed his rank to make a thorough evaluation and fundamental transformation.

“Bali has the most contracted economy compared to other provinces. It is because tourism as the province’s lucrative industry is the first sector heavily affected by the pandemic and also will become the last one to recover,” he said.

On that occasion, President Jokowi delivered three points of note.

First, the province must intensify economic diversification so it will not depend only on one sector.

“When tourism sector was hit hard [by the COVID-19 pandemic], agricultural sector can show its resilience. In fact, agricultural sector showed a better growth compared to other sectors. Everyone should know about this fact so we can understand what we are going to do,” he added.

Second, paradigm and management of tourism sector must prioritize health and safety aspects.

The President said that traveling for tourism purposes during the pandemic will totally change since the public will prioritize health and safety aspects.

“Tourists will definitely avoid crowds and frequent contact with others. Nevertheless, we must ensure them that they still can have fun and protect their health from the virus infection during vacation,” he said.

Third, tourism sector in Bali province must transform from mass tourism to green tourism, namely a tourism based on social, cultural, and environmental aspects that is in line with the values and local wisdom upheld by Balinese people who foster harmony and honor nature.

“A spirit to honor nature, people, and culture must be preserved for our future. We have strong commitment to adopt green economy,” he said. (PRESIDENTIAL SECRETARIAT/UN) (RAS/MUR)