"With the rate of economic growth reaching 5.67 percent in 2016, the West Java province needs to be able to increase its growth higher, so that it can open up more jobs for those who are still unemployed," the President said.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo has asked the province of West Java to boost its economic growth so that more job opportunities could be made available to those who were still unemployed.

"With the rate of economic growth reaching 5.67 percent in 2016, the West Java province needs to be able to increase its growth higher, so that it can open up more jobs for those who are still unemployed," the President said, while leading a limited meeting in the Presidential Offices in Jakarta, Tuesday.

The meeting was held to evaluate the execution of national strategic projects and priority projects in the West Java province.

President Widodo revealed that West Javas economy needs to be boosted as the number of unemployment had slightly increased to 8.8 percent last year, compared to the 8.72 percent recorded in 2015.

He admitted that West Java was one of the major cities sustaining the capital city of Jakarta, and it possessed strategic position and strong economic ties.

"Not only in terms of raw materials provision and labor force ties, but also in terms of services and public services, especially transportation and housing," he added.

The President also stated that the province housed several investments in the manufacturing and basic industries that can no longer be planted in Jakarta.

"The economic ties between the two provinces need to be facilitated well; there must be connectivity, integration and stronger synergy between the capital city of Jakarta and the West Java province," he pointed out.

President Widodo had also requested Governor of West Java, as well as the provincial government, to be more proactive in collaborating with the central government to settle issues that are still happening in the field.

The challenges in the field, he continued, include the land clearing processes, Spatial Plans (RTRW), as well as anticipating every impact of the developmental process, especially in the construction of infrastructure in West Java.

"I am sure that the development of infrastructure will become a foundation for faster and more even economic activities in West Java," he concluded. (*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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