Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has drawn focus on the need for the Draft State Budget 2020 to reflect the strength and endurance of the nation’s economy amid the global economic turmoil.

"We still see that in 2020, the global economy remains rife with uncertainty," Jokowi remarked while chairing a plenary cabinet meeting on the 2020 Draft State Budget (RAPBN) and its financial notes at the State Palace here on Monday.

Economic strength and endurance are crucial to facing the existing external turmoil, he stated.

"At the same time, it should show our budget’s future political direction that focuses more on investment in the massive development of human resources," Jokowi noted.

The State Budget (APBN) is the main instrument to accelerate Indonesia's economic competitiveness, particularly in the fields of export and investment, he added.

He noted that the State Budget 2020 must be managed in a focused and well-targeted manner, and its benefit should be felt by the people.

Investment in human resources could no longer be deferred, as the state’s presence was indispensable in the development of human resources, he remarked.

The development of human resources must be conducted since an early age, and the rate of stunting must be reduced, he stated.

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. Related news: President leads cabinet meeting on draft 2020 state budget

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Translator: Agus Salim, Fardah
Editor: Suharto
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