"We keep it sound and responsive to strengthen the competitive edge and boost economic growth," Jokowi explained.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) led a plenary cabinet meeting to discuss the draft 2020 state budget and its financial notes at the State Palace in Jakarta on Monday.

The plenary cabinet meeting took place before the head of state delivers the draft 2020 state budget and its financial notes to the House of Representatives (DPR) normally on August 16, a day before the nation celebrates its independence.

Vice President M. Jusuf Kalla was also present at the meeting.

At a limited cabinet meeting held at the Presidential Office in Jakarta on July 15, 2019, President Jokowi gave directives to draw up the indicative ceiling of the draft 2020 state budget.

"We keep it sound and responsive to strengthen the competitive edge and boost economic growth," he explained.

The president highlighted four aspects to draw up the indicative ceiling of the draft 2020 state budget.

"Firstly, as I have stated, the 2020 state budget prioritizes the promotion of human resources through education, healthcare, training, and so on," he stated.

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Secondly, five percent of the state budget allocated to the health sector will be able to improve the quality of health across the country, and more importantly, eradicate cases of stunting and malnutrition, and promote the health and safety of pregnant women as well as the immunization program.

Thirdly, the development of infrastructure must be focused, followed by the development of production centers in special economic zones, tourist resorts, and small industrial estates.

Fourthly, the draft 2020 state budget must be able to reduce the poverty rate. "The poverty control program (PKH), village fund, and subsidized basic necessities must reach those really entitled to them, and so also capital assistance for micro, small, and medium entrepreneurs," he remarked.

Speaking in connection with the personnel budget, the president reiterated that all must be related to bureaucratic reforms, both at the central and regional levels.

"Utilize the budget fund as efficiently as possible, reduce unproductive budget, and ensure that everything will meet target," he added.

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Translator: Agus Salim/Suharto
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2019