President Prabowo Discusses National Economic Resilience with DEN, Prepares Anticipatory Measures to Face Global Unrest

The National Economic Council (DEN) delivers a press statement at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Tuesday (06/09). (Bureau of Press, Media, and Information of Presidential Secretariat) (AW/TM)

President Prabowo Subianto summoned the ranks of the National Economic Council (DEN) to the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, on Tuesday (06/09). During the meeting, President Prabowo received a report on the latest economic developments, the fundamental condition of the national economy, and various anticipatory measures in facing global economic uncertainty.

DEN member Chatib Basri explained that the risk of price increases due to the weakening of the rupiah must become a government concern, especially because its impact directly affects certain community groups.

“One important issue that we must take into consideration is the potential risk of price increases that could arise due to the rupiah’s weakness,” Chatib said in his statement after the meeting.

Chatib emphasized the importance of maintaining the trust of the public and economic actors amid global uncertainty. One measure considered effective in strengthening this trust is through budget efficiency and optimization of government priority programs.

On the same occasion, DEN member Firman Hidayat stated that Indonesia’s current economic fundamental condition remains strong and much better than during the 1998 economic crisis. He noted that a number of macroeconomic indicators demonstrate maintained national economic resilience, supported by healthy corporate and banking sectors.

“Besides macro indicators such as still-high growth and stable inflation, one of the main points we’re highlighting is the very healthy corporate balance sheet,” Firman said.

However, the DEN cautioned against ongoing global dynamics, including the impact of prolonged international conflicts and the weakening rupiah exchange rate. These factors are considered to have the potential to increase production and distribution costs, ultimately putting pressure on domestic prices.

“We certainly need to be vigilant about global economic uncertainty. The impact of this war appears to be greater and longer-lasting than we estimated. Then the weakening of rupiah should also be taken into account,” he said.

In addition to discussing macroeconomic conditions, the DEN also presented a number of recommendations to strengthen Indonesia’s external position, including increasing remittances from highly skilled Indonesian migrant workers and boosting the number of incoming foreign tourists to improve the country’s foreign exchange earnings.

“If we can increase the number of incoming foreign tourists in the future, this will certainly help increase our foreign exchange earnings,” said Firman.

The meeting reflected President Prabowo’s serious commitment to maintaining national economic stability amid constantly changing global dynamics. With strong economic fundamentals, properly targeted policies, and ongoing anticipatory measures, the Government is striving to ensure Indonesia remains on a healthy, sustainable growth path and is able to protect the well-being of its people.

Amid global uncertainty, the Government is not only focused on maintaining stability, but also preparing a more resilient economic foundation to face future challenges. (Bureau of Press, Media, and Information of Presidential Secretariat) (AW/TM)