WB President to Jokowi: Everything is Difficult to Predict
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Kamis, 1 Januari 1970 07:00 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo said Indonesia must rely on its own abilities to shun the impact of the unstable global economy. Jokowi said World Bank president Jim Yong Kim did not even have suggestions for Indonesia.
"I ask him directly about the prospects of economic growth and the global economy in general, and his suggestions for Indonesia, he answers that he has no input, everything is difficult to predict. So it means, in my opinion, we have to develop ourselves," said Jokowi at Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Monday, August 27.
Jokowi said there were many factors business players feared, among them the lingering trade war between China and the U.S. and the fresh economic turmoil in Turkey.
"I don't know what else will cause the uncertainty of world economy," said the former Jakarta governor.
Read: US-China Trade War Will Affect Global Economy: BI Governor
According to Jokowi, the present biggest problem posing a threat to Indonesia's economy is the current account deficit that has not been fixed for a long time. "We will focus on that, especially on the trade balance," the President said.
Jokowi mentioned the other problem was a primary balance. The government set targets to solve it within the next year.
Jokowi demanded both central and regional chapters of the Indonesian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) to help the government overcome economic problems. "There are many improvement opportunities we can do," he added.
Read: Global Crisis, Jokowi: Our Economy is Stable and Good
Attending the meeting were Kadin chairman Rosan Perkasa Roeslani and its 25 members. According to Rosan, those presented at the meeting were young entrepreneurs who were the successors of senior conglomerates. "So, this [meeting] is attended by the second generation," he said before the meeting with Jokowi.
AHMAD FAIZ IBNU SANI