President Jokowi Tells Korean Entrepreneurs, Indonesia Will Carry on Economic Reforms

President Jokowi talks before Korean entrepreneurs on Monday (16/5)

President Joko ‘Jokowi’ Widodo said that he is glad to return to Korea after his last visit to attend the Korean-ASEAN Summit in December 2014 at the invitation of the Korean President. The President made the statement in his keynote speech in a Morning Tea with 450 South Korean entrepreneurs.

The President’s daughter, Kahiyang Ayu, the President added, loves Shinee, a Korean boyband. “I accompanied my daughter to see Shinee’s concert. I also had hired a manager from Korea in my factory and he doubled the productivity of my factory in just three years. You already have two fans in Indonesia, my daughter and I,” President Jokowi said, to the laughter from the participants.

Furthermore, President Jokowi also said that Indonesia is able to survive amid global economic slowdown. When Chinese and the United States stock markets dropped and oil price fell, the value of Rupiah remains stable, while Indonesia stock market went down slightly. I believe Indonesia has achieved a good economic stability. The result of Indonesia’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the first quarter of 2016 was published and I believe Indonesia has a good economic stability,” President Jokowi said.

President Jokowi also mentioned about economic reforms and a massive infrastructure development in Indonesia. The programs are supported with 12 economic packages, as well as the cutting of permit for investment or doing business.

“You can check it through all media. I ensure you that we will continue to carry on economic reforms, bringing ease of doing business, and maintaining transparency,” President Jokowi said.

In the event, President Jokowi was accompanied by Coordinating Minister for the Economy Darmin Nasution, Minister of Foreign Affairs Retno Marsudi, Minister of Trade Thomas Lembong, Head of Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Franky Sibarani, Head of Creative Economy Agency Triawan Munaf, Presidential Chief of Staff Teten Masduki, and Head of National Economic and Industry Committee (KEIN) Sutrisno Bachir. (GUN/UN) (RAS/EP/YM/Naster)