"All have shown a decline, but we are able to maintain it (economic growth) and also record a slight increase. I think that is what we have done," Jokowi remarked here on Saturday after lunch at a Garuda Padang restaurant on Sabang Street, Central Jakarta.
Indonesia is among the best economies in the G20, ranking the third-highest.
"We are number three in the world; in the G20, we stand third," he remarked.
Jokowi noted that the formulation of development plans was done at the national and regional levels, adding that the central government had been responsive to the demands of its local counterparts.
The central government has accumulated data on issues affecting the regional administrations and should solve them during a specific time period, he emphasized.
Responding to a question from a member of the press regarding his preparations for the fourth debate on Saturday evening, Jokowi stated that the lunch on Sabang Street was part of the preparatory process.
Indonesia will conduct simultaneous legislative and presidential elections on April 17, 2019.
Of the population totaling 260 million, more than 192 million Indonesians have been registered as illegible voters.
The 2019 presidential election is viewed by many as a rematch of the contentious 2014 presidential battle in which Jokowi and Prabowo Subianto contested.
Seeking a second term, 57-year-old Jokowi has picked Ma'ruf Amin, 75, the Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) chairman, as his partner, while retired general Prabowo Subianto, 67, has chosen Sandiaga Salahuddin Uno, (49), a successful entrepreneur and former deputy governor of Jakarta, as his running mate.
The fourth debate will offer a platform to the presidential candidates to echo their views on ideology, the government, defense and security, as well as international relations.
The first debate, on January 17, 2019, focused primarily on law, human rights, terrorism, and corruption, while the second debate, held on February 17, 2019, drew focus on energy, the environment, infrastructure, food, and natural resources.
The third debate was organized on Mar 17, and only the running mates participated in the discussion on education, health, manpower, and social and cultural topics. Related news: Fourth presidential candidate debate divided into five sessions
Related news: KPU conducts final rehearsal of fourth round of presidential debate
Related news: Jokowi-Amin pair has not prepared in advance for debate
Translator: Agus Salim, Fardah
Editor: Gusti Nur Cahya Aryani
Copyright © ANTARA 2019
