President Jokowi Reveals Capitals to Build Indonesia

By Office of Assistant to Deputy Cabinet Secretary for State Documents & Translation     Date 16 Agustus 2022
Category: News
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President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Tuesday (08/16) at the Annual Session of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) and the Joint Session of the House of Representatives (DPR) and the Regional Representative Council (DPD) on the Occasion of the 77th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Independence of the Republic of Indonesia at the Plenary Hall of the House’s Nusantara Building in Jakarta (Source: a screenshot)

All countries in the world are facing tough challenges including COVID-19 pandemic and the war between Russia and Ukraine. Nevertheless, Indonesia is one of the nations that has managed to overcome the global crisis.

The statement was made by President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Tuesday (08/16) at the Annual Session of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) and the Joint Session of the House of Representatives (DPR) and the Regional Representative Council (DPD) on the Occasion of the 77th Anniversary of the Proclamation of Independence of the Republic of Indonesia at the Plenary Hall of the House’s Nusantara Building in Jakarta.

“Amid the tough challenges, we must be grateful that Indonesia is one of the nations that have overcome the global crisis. Indonesia is one of the nations that have overcome COVID-19 pandemic, and one of five countries with the highest vaccination rate in the world, with 432 million vaccine doses injected,” President Jokowi said.

In facing COVID-19 pandemic that hits the entire world, Indonesia has proven herself to be a resilient nation.

“Hamlet and village communities protect and share with each other. Ulemas, religious leaders, and traditional leaders actively assist the communities. Socio-religious organizations move quickly to help the communities. Health workers, the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI), and Indonesian National Police (Polri), as well as ranks of bureaucracy synergize with each other. State institutions are also supporting the Government in dealing with this uncertainty,” the President said.

On that occasion, the Head of State revealed capitals to build Indonesia. They are as follows:

First, Indonesia’s ability to handle pandemic is one of the capitals to well manage other big agendas.

Second, Indonesia has abundant natural resources. If the country can manage it in wise and sustainable manners, the vast area with the greatest biodiversity in the world is indeed a huge potential for Indonesia.

“There is one condition: the downstreaming and industrialization must be done in our homeland to maximize added value for the sake of national interests. It will create more job opportunities, boost export, generate foreign exchange, increase state revenue, and bolster economic growth,” the President added.

Third, Indonesia’s demographic bonus.

“Our large population dominated by young, productive age and rising people’s purchasing power will be the driving force that stimulates national economy in facing global competition,” President Jokowi continued.

Fourth, international trust for Indonesia is increasing exponentially. It was proven that Russia and Ukraine have welcomed Indonesia as the bridge for peace. The United Nations (UN) has appointed Indonesia as a member of the Champions of the Global Crisis Response Group for global crisis handling. Indonesia also holds the Presidency of the G20, an international forum made up of the world’s largest economies.

“Next year, we will assume the Chairmanship of ASEAN. It indicates that we top the global leadership and have a great opportunity to promote international cooperation,” the President added.

On that occasion, the Head of State also said that international trust can be felt in the country. Thus, the Government continues to carry out structural reforms to support business competitiveness and climate as well as improves ecosystem for investment and MSMEs’ growth.

“Downstreaming and manufacturing sectors in the country grow rapidly. Investment growth has also increased significantly, 52% of which is already outside Java island. It means our economy not only grows exponentially, but also grows evenly towards an Indonesia-centric development,” President Jokowi said.

Indonesian Economy’s Positive Growth

In his state address, the President Jokowi said that Indonesia’s economy managed to record a positive growth of 5.44 percent in the second quarter of 2022. The trade balance also recorded a surplus for 27 consecutive months, and in the first half of 2022 the surplus was around Rp364 trillion.

In addition, the country’s inflation rate is under control, in the range of 4.9 percent. That number is significantly lower than the average inflation rate in the ASEAN countries, around 7 percent, and is significantly lower than the average inflation rate in the developed countries, around 9 percent.

Even, President Jokowi continued, by mid-2022, the State Budget also recorded a surplus of Rp106 trillion. Therefore, the Government is able to provide fuel, LPG, and electricity subsidies of Rp502 trillion in 2022, so that fuel prices in the community do not soar.

“We should be grateful for these achievements. Indonesia’s economic fundamentals remain strong, in the midst of global economic turbulence. On the one hand, we must remain vigilant and careful. On the other hand, we must continue with the nation’s big agendas to achieve an Advanced Indonesia,” he remarked. (DND/MAY/FID/UN) (AP/MMB)

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