Several Economic Indicators Grow Positive, President Jokowi: Remain Vigilant

President Joko Widodo meets coalition party leaders at the State Palace in Jakarta, Wednesday (08/25). (Photo by: BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/Rusman)

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic management, the Government continues to control the national economy.

A number of national economic indicators show a satisfying figure although striking a balance between health and economic sectors is not an easy challenge to face, according to President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo.

“Thank God, from negative 0.7 (percent) in the first quarter of 2021, we could jump to 7.07 (percent) in the second quarter,” the President said during a meeting with coalition parties leaders at the State Palace in Jakarta, Wednesday (08/25).

The President further said that the inflation rate is relatively under control at 1.5 percent, which is relatively more controlled than the rate in several countries.

Another economic indicator that is improving is export which grew by 31.8 percent in the second quarter. The growth mainly contributed by the agriculture sector that has seen a fairly significant increase.

“I suppose it makes us optimistic,” he said.

Public consumption during the second quarter was at 5.9 percent, whereas investment grew to 7.5 percent.

The President pointed out that the improvement of those economic indicators is in line with the trust in Government index that rose to 115.6, which was only 97.6, adding that it shows public optimism.

“Also, consumers’ trust, public trust, the people’s trust is visible from such indexes. We will get the results if the surveys are completed. It means that there is optimism. The direction is positive, but we must also remain careful, remain vigilant because once again, it is indeed hard to calculate,” he remarked. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/UN) (DH/MMB)