Jakarta, (ANTARA News) - Finance Minister Sri Mulyani said the government is working to boost activities that produce foreign exchange income, such as exports and tourism.

The move is meant to deal with and anticipate global economic dynamics, especially trade volatility, she said at a press conference here on Friday.

"It will ensure that foreign exchange income will stay in Indonesia so it can be used as a financing source for those who need it for imports and other activities," she said.

She also expressed hope that the demand for and offer of foreign currencies could be sustained to ensure the stability of the Indonesian rupiah.

With regard to exports, the government will work to sustain improvements in the performance of sectors that exhibit the potential to increase foreign exchange earnings through government incentives and support, the minister said.

"(That) includes import substitution and increased use of B20 biodiesel to reduce imports of oil raw materials in Indonesia," she explained.

Sri Mulyani also remarked that Indonesia has a lot of competitive and comparative advantages in terms of tourism, which is expected to contribute US$20 billion in foreign exchange in 2019. This development is expected to have a direct impact on the population, she said.

Reporter: Calvin Basuki
Editor: Yosep Hariyadi
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