"I am optimistic that the urban issues formulated by U20 are in line and in harmony to support the theme of the Indonesian G20 Presidency, specifically 'recover together, recover stronger,'" Hartarto noted during a discussion on "Urban Issues at the G20 Indonesia Presidency," Wednesday.
The U20 is a meeting for city governments in G20 member countries aimed at bringing urban issues to the forefront of the G20 agenda.
"I laud Urban 20 as one of the G20 engagement groups that advocate for the aspirations of big cities in G20 member countries," he remarked.
The U20 Forum is expected to increase the role of cities in international diplomacy, policy making, and joint message formulation with an urban approach aimed at leaders of G20 member countries.
Related news: Govt, REI to develop 20 new urban areas
Airlangga is also optimistic that Indonesia's G20 Presidency would proffer a new spirit to create a world order that will not only boost the welfare of its citizens but will also ensure sustainability of the world for the future.
The G20 presidency is an opportunity for Indonesia to make a major contribution to global economic recovery by actively participating in building world governance that is healthy, just, and sustainable, based on independence, lasting peace, and social justice.
"The focus of the G20 Presidency is to strengthen the multilateralism system and effective global partnership to ensure that the world economy remains open, fair, and mutually beneficial as well as ensures that no one is left behind, especially the poor and vulnerable groups," Hartarto remarked.
Related news: G20 Presidency will allow Indonesia to set global discussion agenda
Bank Indonesia (BI) expressed optimism that the global economy would recover in a balanced manner despite the COVID-19 pandemic having continued to plague several nations.
"Everybody is handling Omicron. Although they are experiencing a disruption in the supply chain, these nations will recover," BI Governor Perry Warjiyo had earlier stated.
The world's economic growth is projected to slow down to 4.4 percent, from 5.4 percent the previous year, he affirmed. Commodity prices are estimated to remain high, he remarked.
"This is an opportunity for exporters, but the supply chain problem must be handled. This export performance will drive the economy nationally and in regions," Warjiyo affirmed.
Related news: More balanced global, domestic economic growth projected in 2022: BI
"Commodity prices have also improved, so let us make the most of this opportunity," he stressed.
Furthermore, Warjiyo expects all parties to get involved in improving the domestic investment climate. Through this, productivity will improve, he explained.
"The global economy will also improve equally. This is an opportunity for us," he remarked.
Warjiyo forecasts the domestic economy to improve this year, with growth increasing to lie in the 4.7-5.5 percent range this year, from 3.2-4.0 percent last year.
"In this case, economic sources will be more equal. Last year, economic consumption had not improved. For this year, it is estimated to grow in the 4.3-5.1 percent range," he noted.
Related news: BI sees global economy growing 5.8% in 2021
Translator: Sanya D, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2022
