TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati hoped the consumption rate in various regions during this year’s Eid homecoming period could be maintained at above 5 percent. Indonesians annually return to their hometowns to celebrate Eid al-Fitr or known as Lebaran.

“We hope Lebaran can raise the momentum of confidence,” said Minister Sri as quoted from an official release on the website of Cabinet Secretary setkab.go.id on Saturday, June 8. Moreover, she added, the government was able to maintain the stability of prices during Ramadan and ahead of Lebaran 2019.

In the 1st quarter of 2019, Sri said, the country’s gross was monitored at a quite good state. Besides, the household consumption was recorded at above 5 percent. Thus, she optimistic the consumption rate in this period could be maintained in consideration of the stable price.

On the other hand, Sri underlined that it is important to be aware of global economic instability, especially towards the condition of corporations. This is because corporations often got much pressure, either from the side of the export or the investment sentiment due to the impact of the global economic condition.

However, Minister Sri who is also a former managing director of the World Bank said that Indonesia’s reputation was improved as well as its competitiveness index and ease of business index.

“But, we are competing with the current condition of global uncertainty, not with other countries,” she said, adding that it usually caused investors to hold back.

Nevertheless, Sri Mulyani hoped investment would further enter the country after the 2nd quarter of 2019. “As President Jokowi continuously resumes reformation to deal with issues concerned by investors,” she noted.

CAESAR AKBAR

Read: Sri Mulyani Hopes Eid Can Give Push to Economy