Indonesia's PMI has returned to a level above 50.Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) sought greater efforts to protect Indonesia from recession in the 2020 third quarter despite improvement in some economic indicators, including the manufacturing Purchasing Manager Index (PMI), public consumption, and exports.
"For instance Indonesia's PMI has returned to a level above 50. This is the normal position. Tax (revenue) has increased, although it has yet to attain its normal position," Jokowi remarked at the Bogor Presidential Palace in West Java on Tuesday.
The IHS Markit Indonesia Manufacturing PMI climbed to 50.8 in August 2020, from 46.9 in the previous month. This was the first growth in the sector since February, as business operations continued to recover amid an easing of COVID-19 restrictions.
However, the head of state has warned of the importance of applying health protocols in public activities.
Jokowi has urged governors to balance the policy in the public health sector and economic recovery.
"This is because when we cannot flatten the COVID-19 curve quickly, especially if we can neither reduce the fatality rate nor increase the recovery rate drastically, this uncertain situation will continue," he cautioned.
Jokowi urged regional administrations to ensure public safety so normalcy can be restored in economic activities.
"Absolutely, we should ensure that people do not feel unsafe, and this will hold businesses from moving. They are adopting a wait-and-see approach," he added. Related news: Indonesia's economy starts to move: Minister Hartarto
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Translator: Indra Arief P, Sri Haryati
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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