TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko `Jokowi` Widodo held a meeting with several state ministers to discuss the country’s foreign exchange reserves strategy. The president specifically mentioned the use of biodiesel and the increased use of domestic components (TKDN).

Jokowi asked that the use of biodiesel must be operated immediately since the data he acquired suggests that Indonesia can potentially skimp foreign exchange from large quantity imports. “It can reach US$21 million each day,” the president said at the Bogor State Palace in West Java on Tuesday, July 31.

The president ordered his ministers to focus on increasing exports and controlling the number of imports. He also asked for every ministry to evaluate its import policies. “We need to temporarily stop, reduce, or suppress the items that are not considered strategic,” said Jokowi.

Regarding the TKDN, President Jokowi complained about its slow implementation in the field, despite having it eliminated two years ago. He also urged to drive the growth of industrial goods to substitute imports, especially in the upstream industry which produces raw materials.

President Jokowi argues that a country’s strong foreign exchange reserves will prepare Indonesia in facing the uncertain global economic issues.

AHMAD FAIZ IBNU SANI