"Yesterday, I oversaw the implementation of cash-for-work programs being carried out by the Public Works and People`s Housing Ministry at some places and by the village ministry in one location," he said during a plenary cabinet meeting to discuss the 2019 Government`s Work Plan at the State Palace here, Monday.
He stated that he has not seen the cash-for-work program being implemented by other ministries.
During the meeting that was attended by Vice President M Jusuf Kalla, Widodo highlighted the need to take advantage of the current economic growth momentum.
"The economic growth trend is increasing from 5.06 percent in the third quarter of 2017 to 5.19 in the fourth quarter of 2017," he said.
He wanted the positive trend of economic growth to continue in 2018, as it was supported by an upward trend in commodity and coal sector exports.
"Similarly, household consumption is getting better, along with the implementation of the cash-for-work programs in several regions," he noted.
He asked the ministries to present the labor-intensive program and to ensure it was being implemented in the regions.
He also requested the ministries to continue with the 2017 national strategic program in 2018, while ensuring the 2018 strategic program is carried out in the field.
"Therefore, I ask the Coordinating Minister for the Economy to evaluate programs that can be executed and those that cannot be," he stressed.
Concerning the 2019 Government`s Work Plan, Widodo reminded the ministries that 2019 was a political year. "I request you that after accelerating the development of infrastructure to improve our economic competitiveness, in 2019, we must focus on human resource development," he maintained.
He asked the ministries related to human resource development, such as the Ministry of Education and Culture; Ministry of Research, Technology, and Higher Education; and the Ministry of Manpower to design their work plans for 2019.
During the opening of the meeting, Widodo congratulated Finance Minister Mulyani Indrawati, who was bestowed with the best minister of finance award in the world.
"First of all, I would like to congratulate Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati who received the award for being the best minister of finance in the world," he emphasized.
After starting the meeting, he took time to approach and greet Mulyani.
Reported by Agus Salim
(T.M052/A/KR-BSR/A014)
Reporter: antara
Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2018
