Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Launching of Kerthi Bali Economic Roadmap, 3 December 2021, at the Three Mountain Bamboo Pavilion, Denpasar City, Bali Province

Om Swastiastu,

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh,

Good morning,

May peace be upon us all,

Excellency Danish Ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia,

Distinguished Ministers of the Indonesia Onward Cabinet, Commander of the Indonesian National Defense Forces (TNI), Chief of the Indonesian National Police (Polri), Governor and Deputy Governor of Bali, Regional Leadership Communication Forum (Forkopimda) Ranks, Regents and Mayors across Bali,

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

The COVID-19 pandemic has had enormous impacts on many aspects. Many issues emerged; unprecedented events emerged one by one. The pandemic has caused energy scarcity in several countries. Because of the pandemic, several countries experienced food crisis. It is also because of the pandemic that inflation rate rose in a number of countries. The pandemic also caused container shortage both for domestic and for export. This happened in all countries. Never has this been predicted before.

It is also because of the pandemic that there is an increase in inflation rate in many countries. We must be aware of this. Also because of the pandemic, there is an increase in production price during the past weeks. When the production price went up, it will affect consumer price. Please be careful.

Consequently, all countries experienced deficit in fiscal. Some countries also saw monetary shock. During the [G20] meeting in Rome, many finance ministers expressed their concern if the high deficit returns to normal deficit which will cause a shock in financing. It is hard to predict the impact it will bring.

What does it mean? High global uncertainty is in place. World leaders also cast grave doubt on making decisions. Problems become more complex and hit us non-stop. We all must prepare to anticipate this situation, to calculate it and make preparation and planning. We all are aware that Indonesia holds the G20 presidency. It is such an honor and token of trust from the world to us. We must always remember that many powerful countries are members of the G20. They are countries with the highest Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

During our G20 presidency, we will focus on three issues. We will concentrate on those issues. First, global health architecture must change to adjust to the pandemic. Second, all countries are heading towards digital transformation which will also be discussed [in G20]. Third, green economy and energy transition are also necessary to be discussed.

Therefore, let me reiterate over and over again that the pandemic should serve as a momentum to make fundamental transformation. 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. Can we seize the momentum to improve ourselves and conduct a massive economic transformation? I expect once the pandemic ends, we can reach a better position.

I fully understand that during the past two years, Balinese has been hit hard [by the COVID-19 pandemic]. Earlier, the Governor told me that economic growth in 2020 was at minus 9.43 [percent]. On normal condition, the growth used to be at 5.3 percent, positive. Now is minus 9.43 [percent]. 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. Therefore, we must make a thorough evaluation and fundamental transformation, as mentioned by Minister of the National Development Planning/Head of the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas).

Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,

We must pay attention to several points. First, we must intensify economic diversification. The economy, particularly in Bali should not depend only on one sector. When tourism sector was hit hard, 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.

Second, paradigm and management of tourism sector must prioritize health and safety aspects, which will definitely be prioritized by all countries. Traveling for tourism purposes during the pandemic will totally change. 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.

Third, tourism sector in Bali province must transform from mass tourism to green tourism and quality tourism. We have to start thinking about it. A tourism which is 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 adopting green economy. This is the potential of Bali, the potential of Indonesia which will be developed starting this month. We will start constructing Green Industrial Park in North Kalimantan by mid-month that will become the largest one in the world. It must begin, we will begin to supply renewable energy, hydropower generated from Kayan River. Therefore, we can make contribution to global issue, play a role in addressing climate change, and meeting objectives of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) agenda.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

No matter how well-calculated our plans and roadmap are, it means nothing if we cannot execute it. We are often late in the implementation. We did not start the implementation immediately since it required many detailed calculations that made us hesitant in taking action; should we go now or later. At the end, we keep postponing it while others have been making process on many sectors.

It is extremely important to have courage to execute it because speed is crucial in facing competencies and challenges. Technology development changed really fast.

That concludes my remarks on this auspicious occasion and by saying bismillahirahmanirrahim, today I launch the Kerthi Bali Economic Roadmap.

I thank you.

Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh.

(RAS/MUR)