We Have to Overcome Problems Together, President Jokowi Tells Regents

President Jokowi poses with regents who attend the meeting at Bogor Presidential Palace Istana in Bogor, West Java, Tuesday (31/7). (Photo by: Rahmat/Public Relations Division)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo on Tuesday (31/7) at Bogor Presidential Palace in Bogor, West Java, met with several regents.

In his remarks, President Jokowi said through the meeting, it is expected that the regents can be aware of problems Indonesia is facing so that measures to solve those problems can begin from regencies, provinces and the Central Government.

On that occasion, the President cited an example about the issue of economic growth in which the global economy growth has not grown to its normal position. Therefore, the President expressed his hope to the regents to be vigilant in managing economies of their respective regions.

“Because economy in the regencies, municipalities and provinces affect national economic growth, which alhamdulillah despite heavy pressures from the global economy, can still grow slightly above 5 percent,” the President said, adding that pressures due to the rising interest rate in the United States and the ongoing trade war between China and the United States also continue to put pressure on Rupiah.

Therefore, the President added, the regents have be to aware of those issues because they will put pressure on Indonesia’s balance of trade as well.

“So our collective hard work is needed so that economic growth in the regions will not be disrupted and in the national context, our national economic growth will not be disrupted as well,” the President said.

President Jokowi also stressed on the importance to control inflation because economic growth without low and controlled inflation will be pointless. “I am glad that all regional leaders, especially regents, are already aware of the importance of curbing and controlling inflation. We also have to seriously pay attention to distribution of goods, especially staple foods,” the President concluded.

Regents attending the meeting were among others Banyuwangi Regent Abdullah Azwar Anas, Musi Banyuasin Regent Dody Reza, Jepara Regent Marzuki, Bantaeng Regent Nurdin Abdulla, and Sorong Regent Johny Kamuru, while the President was accompanied by Minister of State Secretary Pratikno. (FID/ES) (/EP/Naster)