This is the time for us to fundamentally fix ourselves, conduct transformation, and apply big strategies in the economic, legal, governmental, social, and cultural fields, including the environment
Jakarta (ANTARA) - State-Owned Enterprises Minister and Chief Executive of Committee for Handling COVID-19 and National Economic Recovery (KPCPEN) Erick Thohir believes the COVID-19 pandemic has fueled momentum for bringing about self-improvement, conducting transformation, and implementing big strategies.

"This is the time for us to fundamentally fix ourselves, conduct transformation, and apply big strategies in the economic, legal, governmental, social, and cultural fields, including the environment," Thohir noted during an online seminar in Jakarta, Tuesday.

The minister cautioned that the conditions arising in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic will potentially increase the poverty rate in Indonesia.

"As is the case of other countries, the COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on Indonesia's economic growth," Thohir stated.

As of the third quarter of 2020, our economic growth was still at -3.49 percent year-on-year (yoy).

The economic downturn also had an impact on Indonesia's workforce, with the government confirming that 2.56 million people had suffered job losses, while the income of over 1.8 million had decreased owing to the pandemic.

"However, we must not give up. This crisis fuels a momentum and presents an opportunity and a leap for us to catch up," Thohir noted.

The minister had earlier expressed optimism that by realizing food, energy, and health security, Indonesia would be able to immediately rise from the COVID-19 pandemic since it had profuse natural resources and a large population.

Thohir called to optimally manage these two aspects, with good faith and hard work, so that Indonesia can get through these challenging times.

The minister also urged the public to continue to implement the 3M health protocols of wearing masks, washing hands, and maintaining physical distancing.
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Translator: Aji Cakti, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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