TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Sandiaga Uno determined to focus on the economy issue in the 2019 Presidential Election considering economic enhancement now becomes more relevant. He quoted Dangdut musician Rhoma Irama’s song to describe present Indonesian economy.

"The rich get richer, the poor get poorer," said Sandiaga as he sang the lyrics from Rhoma`s famous song, when met after the National Mandate Party (PAN)'s event at Grand Paragon Hotel, Sunday, September 16.

The would-be vice presidential deemed the country’s economy did not take a side to the community interest. Thus he was keen to build economic patriotism which was an economic system that favors the society.

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Sandiaga added, if the economic issue was not brought up in the presidential election next year, it would create a wider economic gap and become a root of social problems.

“If the issue is left unchecked, that will be really unacceptable," said Sandi in a typical pronunciation of Rhoma Irama.

According to the former Jakarta deputy governor, another economic problem faced by Indonesia is the lack of employment opportunities. Seeking for a job during the past four years has become very difficult and even more difficult than in previous years.

Further, he mentioned, the price hike of staple food issue. He said it was the household wives who were directly affected by the issue.

"Those who are directly affected are the household wives, mothers of our nation. [The price hike] directly hit their economic condition," Sandiaga Uno remarked.

FIKRI ARIGI