Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo has encouraged entrepreneurs to stay optimistic in facing various challenges in recovering the economy battered by the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Coordinating Economic Affairs Minister Airlangga Hartarto.

"Economic growth is always inversely proportional to the COVID-19 condition in the country. Hence, if the number of COVID-19 cases increase, the economy will decline. On the other hand, if the number of COVID-19 cases is low, the economy will improve. Hence, during the previous meeting, the president encouraged us all to be optimistic in facing the challenges ahead," Hartarto stated.

He delivered the statement at a press conference with businesspersons from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), Indonesian Shopping Center Management Association (APPBI), and Indonesian Retail Entrepreneurs Association (Aprindo) at the Presidential Palace Complex here on Wednesday.

Company leaders and several business associations are urged to continue to stay disciplined in implementing health protocols in the work environment, so that the number of COVID-19 cases does not surge again.

"The entire community is urged to remain vigilant, and company leaders, CEOs, and associations are requested to also remind (workers or their members) to continue to apply protocols," Hartarto stated while conveying the contents of the meeting with the president.

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According to the minister, Widodo had also told the business community that development of the new state capital on Kalimantan Island will continue.

"Hence, construction of the new state capital based on the plan will continue to be implemented. (The president) also discussed the legislation. This development will be conducted in the next 15 to 20 years,” he stated.

In the meantime, Hartarto noted that the handling of COVID-19 in Indonesia was much better than that of other countries. Indonesia is also not included in the 10 countries, with the highest count of COVID-19 cases. In addition, the COVID-19 vaccination rate in Indonesia is high as compared to other countries.

"Hence, we will encourage economic activities to reduce the unemployment rate," he stated.

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Translator: Indra Arief Pribadi, Katriana
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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