The main key lies in controlling COVID-19
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Presidential Staff Office echoed the government's optimism in realizing the 5.2-percent national economic growth rate in 2022 in line with the World Bank's projection.

The Global Economic Prospect report stated that the foundations of economic growth were strong domestic demand and rising commodity prices.

"The government is optimistic of being able to make it happen. The main key lies in controlling COVID-19," Main Expert Staff of the Presidential Staff Office Edy Priyono noted in a press release received here on Monday.

Priyono opined that the COVID-19 pandemic had, so far, been kept well under control, in terms of cases, hospitalization, and death rates.

"This (state of control) must be maintained and (despite the good news, we need to) remain cautious, (through several approaches) including vaccination, testing, tracing, and treatment, as well as encouraging people to comply with health protocols," according to the office's expert staff.

Another strategy employed by the government was the continuation of social protection program through social assistance as well as stimuli or incentives, comprising interest subsidies, credit guarantees, and tax incentives.

"This measure aims to maintain the people's buying ability and push for the recovery of business activities," he explained.

Priyono deemed the implementation of the Job Creation Law as important, so as to contribute to a conducive investment climate, thereby promoting economic growth and expanding job opportunities.

"In turn, it can boost the people's income or buying ability," he remarked.

"Macroeconomic stability, especially inflation, is the government's concern. Hence, the government's synergy with the monetary authority, that is BI, must be better," he concluded.

Indonesia has been expediting efforts to revitalize the economy that had borne a major brunt due to the pandemic. The government contributed through several means, such as allowing easier access for business permits and disbursing assistance for micro, small, and medium enterprises.

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Translator: Rangga Pandu A J, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Sri Haryati
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