"In order to make us more competitive, I urge (the ministers) to regularly evaluate policies on investment and the tax incentive system. Thus, we will become more attractive than other countries. This must be done effectively," Jokowi noted at a limited cabinet meeting on investment and taxation at the Bogor Palace, West Java, on Wednesday.
The president highlighted the need to cover the deficit in Indonesia`s current account and trade balance by improving investments and exports.
He noted that the government will ensure investment incentives that can strengthen the domestic industry and the country`s economy.
"(The investment) should encourage economic transformation, from raw material production to the processing industry, and strengthen the export-oriented industry that will offer added value. In this way, we can revitalize the industry and reduce the imports of raw materials. Use the local economic resources that we have," he elaborated.
Jokowi has also appealed to the ministers to design investment policy in line with the national interests.
"Not only creating new jobs and reducing unemployment, but we should also be able to empower domestic businessmen, especially micro-, small-, and medium-scale businesses, by seizing the opportunity of transfer of technology," he stated.
He remarked that policies on investment should also encourage partnerships between big businesses and small, medium, and micro businesses.
Vice President Jusuf Kalla, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Darmin Nasution, Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, State Secretary Minister Pratikno, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, Chief of Presidential Staff Moeldoko, State Enterprises Minister Rini Soemarno, Public Works and Public Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani, Communication and Informatics Minister Rudiantara, and Industry Minister Airlangga Hartarto were present at the meeting.
Reporting by Joko Susilo, Sri Haryati
Editing by Yoseph Haryadi
Reporter: Antara
Editor: Suharto
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