Bahlil Lahadalia: Indonesia May Be in Chaos If Businesses Weak

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Investment Minister or Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) Head, Bahlil Lahadalia, said that the Law (UU) on Job Creation was expected to create as many jobs as possible. The policy was issued to ease business activities to help improve Indonesia’s economy.

“Seeing the economy in the second quarter of 2021, consumption and investment contribute 84 percent of the national economic growth,” said Bahlil during a virtual discussion on Thursday, August 12.

He explained public consumption was closely related to purchasing power, which was backed by income certainty. Income could be earned when jobs are created that can be realized with the help of the business world.

“That’s why the business world led by Pak Arsjad Rasjid (Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry or Kadin) is the current national hero. Because otherwise, the country may be in chaos if entrepreneurs are not strong,” Bahlil remarked.

Regarding investment, he opined, Indonesia could not carry out transformation to provide added value without massive downstreaming, and all of that requires capital.

Meanwhile, Indonesia's economic growth of 7.07 percent in Q2/2021 year-on-year could be a glimmer of hope for a better future. 

“Many say don’t get carried away because it grew 7.07 percent. That’s true. But we must be optimistic because, without optimism, a developed country will never look to the future well,” said Bahlil Lahadalia.

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