TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has warned ministers and heads of state agencies to facilitate investors. Any problems or obstacles faced by investors, he said, should immediately be addressed. “Don’t let investors wait and see. The business world must be facilitated, assisted,” he said yesterday in a cabinet meeting at the State Palace.

He said that the efforts to facilitate businesses are key because they help the government in job creation and infrastructure. The president highlights permit issues that he says should have been made easier. In the draft 2018 state budget, the economic growth is expected to reach 5.2-5.6 percent with an inflation rate of 2.5-4.5 percent. The rupiah exchange is set at 13,300-13,500 per US dollar. The Treasury Bills interest rate with a three-month tenor is set at 4.8-5.6 percent.

Earlier in June, at the House of Representatives (DPR) Budget Council meeting, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani said that Indonesia’s economic growth for 2018 will be underpinned by improved exports and growth of economic sectors.

President Joko Widodo continues to reiterate the importance of the efforts to facilitate investors. In various meetings with businesses, the president said that he often received inputs. “When I asked them, they answered: wait and see. Meaning that any problem at any ministry should promptly be addressed,” he said.

Aside from helping investors, Jokowi also expects the 2018 state budget to reduce poverty. If necessary, he would increase the budget for reduction of poverty and inequality.

ADITYA BUDIMAN | ANGELINA ANJAR SAWITRI