The pandemic has obstructed the pace of our economic growth. However, it must not hinder the process of structural reform of our economy.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has emphasized that the government's current focus is to create as many new and quality jobs as possible to build a sustainable economy.

"The pandemic has obstructed the pace of our economic growth. However, it must not hinder the process of structural reform of our economy,” he said during his state address at the annual session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) and joint session of the House of Representatives (DPR) and the Regional Representatives Council (DPD) at the Parliamentary Complex, here on Monday.

Household consumption has contributed more than 55 percent to the national economy, President Jokowi noted.

"Hence, we have to make our economy more productive by encouraging downstream industries, investment, and exports," he said.

The President also said that the government will continue to accelerate the implementation of the Job Creation Law.

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"We launched the Online Single Submission system last week. It aims to facilitate all types of businesses, especially the low-risk ones," he informed.

The system is aimed at making business licensing as well as incentive and tax administration easier, faster, and more transparent.

"Micro, small, and medium enterprises actors have to use this great opportunity to develop their businesses," he remarked.

In the first half of 2021, Indonesia's investment realization reached Rp442.8 trillion, excluding the upstream oil and gas sector as well as financial services, President Jokowi informed.

Of the total amount, 48.5 percent was invested in Java and 51.5 percent outside Java, he said. It created more than 620 thousand jobs for Indonesian workers, he said.

"We expect the additional investment in the following months will be able to meet the Rp900-trillion target to drive our economy further," he added.

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Translator: Desca Natalia, Uyu Liman
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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