"We are preparing a Pancasila-based, or gotong royong, economic policy that will be announced shortly," Jokowi remarked.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) is preparing a Pancasila-based, or "gotong royong" (mutual help) economic policy, which will be made public in the near future.

The president made the statement in an address to thousands of cadres of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDIP) during its anniversary celebration event at the Jakarta Convention Center here on Tuesday.

"We are preparing a Pancasila-based, or gotong royong, economic policy that will be announced shortly," Jokowi remarked.

Pancasila is the countrys five-pillar philosophy.

The head of state said the policy needs to be adopted in the face of the current situation, which is full of challenges, such as unemployment, poverty, and social gaps.

"In essence, it is based on a just economy, with the aim of achieving equitable development. High economic growth without being equitable offers no benefits. This is of no use," he stated.

Hence, the governments policy of development focuses on progress in the border regions, outlaying islands, and rural areas.

According to the president, gotong royong, or the Pancasila-based, economy should come into effect, so that challenges, particularly development gaps in the country, can be addressed.

The president highlighted his governments success in developing the border areas, including Entikong in West Kalimantan.

"(One can see) the development in the border area in Entikong, West Kalimantan. When I came there two years ago, the buildings of immigration, quarantine, and customs and excise offices looked like stables," he stated.

Hence, he had ordered the public works and public housing minister to raze the structures and sought two years time to construct new buildings.

"This is not for showing off, but the area is the forefront of the country, which demonstrates the dignity and respect of our nation," Jokowi affirmed.

A month ago, the new buildings were inaugurated by the president. He made assurance that they are five folds better as compared to the adjacent buildings belonging to the neighboring state in the border.

The same has also been replicated in other border areas, such as in East Nusa Tenggara, and the development of airports in outer islands, such as in Miangas and Natuna.

On the occasion of the PDIP anniversary function, the head of state was accompanied by General Chairperson of the PDIP Megawati Soekarnoputri.

Vice President M. Jusuf Kalla was also present at the event, which was attended by thousands of PDIP cadres.

Other prominent politicians attending the celebration of the ruling party were Oesman Sapta Odang, Romahurmuziy, Muhaimin Iskandar, Surya Paloh, Imron Priono, Zulkifli Hasan, and Djan Faridz.

PDIP Chairman Andreas Hugo Pareira had earlier stated that some 5,000 people, particularly PDIP cadres from various regions, would participate in the event.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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