The growth in gross domestic product (GDP) in the first quarter of 2021, which was minus 0.74 percent as compared to the same period in the previous year, is still a reason to be grateful, as the figure could be achieved in the midst of the pandemicJakarta (ANTARA) - National economic growth is already on the right track and is headed towards positive growth, according to Deputy Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) for National Entrepreneur Development, Arsjad Rasjid.
"The growth in gross domestic product (GDP) in the first quarter of 2021, which was minus 0.74 percent as compared to the same period in the previous year, is still a reason to be grateful, as the figure could be achieved in the midst of the pandemic that is still encumbering Indonesia," Rasjid noted in his statement here on Wednesday.
The Kadin deputy chairman pointed out that the smaller contraction in the first quarter of 2021 indicated that signs of economic recovery were getting real while expressing belief that it was headed in a positive direction.
According to the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) data, national GDP in the first quarter of 2021 still contracted 0.74 percent, lower than the GDP of 2.9 percent during the corresponding period in the previous year, and improving from the figure of minus 2.19 percent clocked in the fourth quarter of 2020.
Other positive factors were reported in several business sectors that experienced positive growth, including information and communication, at 8.72 percent; water supply, waste management, waste and recycling, at 5.49 percent; as well as health services and social activities, at 3.64 percent.
Based on the data, Arsjad is optimistic that economic growth in the second quarter of 2021 would be more expansive, with an initial estimate of around five to seven percent as compared to the same period in the previous year, along with increasingly extensive COVID-19 vaccination being conducted by the government and the chamber.
"In May 2021, the chamber is scheduled to start an independent vaccination program for workers and their families," the candidate for Kadin’s general chairman for the 2021-2026 period revealed.
According to Health Minister’s Regulation Number 10 of 2021 on implementation of vaccinations in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, independent vaccines are distinguished from those utilized in the government’s vaccination program.
The vaccines that Kadin will administer in the independent vaccination program are the Sinopharm-manufactured vaccine from China and the Moderna vaccine from the United States. Earlier, on April 30, 2021, a total of 482,400 doses of vaccine vials from Sinopharm arrived in Indonesia through the Soekarno-Hatta Airport.
"This optimism for economic growth is supported by the independent vaccination program as a game changer. Vaccination is a major factor in stimulating economic and social activities that also need to be supported by strict implementation of health protocols," the deputy stated.
Related news: World leaders must condemn Israel army's violence on Palestinians: MUI
Related news: Widodo condemns Al-Aqsa violence, eviction of Palestinians
Close
EDITED BY INE
Translator: Royke Sinaga, Katriana
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
