TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Former coordinating minister of maritime affairs Rizal Ramli threw criticism toward the policies introduced by current administration led by Joko `Jokowi` Widodo upon fixing the country’s economy.
Rizal Ramli mainly criticized policies introduced by Jokowi’s administration, especially the macro economy strategy that he deemed to be “conservative” and will further drag the country’s economy downwards.
“If the policy making in macro economy is taken super conservatively or in a manner of austerity despite the slowing economy, don’t be surprised if the economy tumbles. It will only stick around five percent,” said Rizal Ramli on Wednesday, September 26.
Read also: Sri Mulyani Responds to Debate Challenge Proposed by Rizal Ramli
Furthermore, he argued that the Jokowi’s narrowing policies failed to rejuvenate a country’s economy, such as Greece, said Rizal. “Some believe that the situation can improve. What is improving? This medicine had failed dozens of tests in the Asian and African region,” he argued.
In terms of the weakening rupiah exchange rate, Rizal Ramli said that rupiah has yet to stand on stable ground and is just the beginning in the midst of the peaking global uncertainty. He also mentioned issues regarding rice imports that he linked to cartels and how it should be dealt with Jokowi to gain public’s support.
BISNIS | IMAM HAMDI
