...how can we compete?
Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) highlighted that the government remained consistent in improving fundamental aspects, such as building infrastructure and boosting Indonesia’s competitiveness despite being in the midst of quite difficult global conditions.

"Despite difficult circumstances, we are consistent in continuing to improve fundamental aspects, (such as) infrastructure, because they are our foundation, both for the medium and long term (national development)," he stated here on Thursday.

Jokowi made the statement at the United Overseas Bank (UOB) Economic Outlook 2023 that was also attended by Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati, as well as other related officials.

The attempts to boost the nation’s competitiveness are made by building connectivity infrastructure, such as roads, airports, seaports, and power plants, he remarked.

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"If we want to compete with other countries, but we do not have it (the connectivity infrastructure) (or) the provision of our infrastructure is inadequate, how can we compete?" the president questioned.

The government also continually strives to boost competitiveness by implementing downstreaming of natural resources and halting the export of raw materials, he stated.

Jokowi noted that gradually, the government had begun halting the export of raw materials, such as nickel. Later, the export of raw tin and copper will also be stopped.

During his working visit to Buton District, Southeast Sulawesi Province, on Wednesday (September 28, 2022), the president made the decision to stop importing asphalt in 2024, as the district has abundant asphalt resources reaching up to 662 million tons.

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"Why do we still import asphalt? (According to) the data I obtained, (the amount of imported asphalt) was approximately five million tons per year," Jokowi noted.

The president also said that his side will improve fundamental facilities in the food and energy sectors, so that Indonesia could realize security of these two strategic commodities.

"B30 (Biodiesel 30, which contains 30-percent biofuel made from palm oil and 70-percent diesel), B40 (Biodiesel 40, which contains 40-percent biofuel made from palm oil and 60-percent diesel) are developed, so we can have strong energy security," he added.


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Translator: Indra Pribadi, Uyu Liman
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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