"The industrial sector based on natural resources downstreaming is also a center of growth that is supported by the government's commitment to ban nickel and bauxite exports," he stated virtually at the 2023 National Working Meeting (Rakernas) of the Islamic Students Alumni Association (Hipka) in Jakarta, Thursday.
Hartarto also noted that in the near future, the government will take various steps to boost the economy in 2023 through policies related to the transitional issues of COVID-19 Handling and National Economic Recovery (PC-PEN).
The public's purchasing power and domestic consumption will be boosted by the Proud of Indonesia-Made Products National Movement (Gernas BBI), MSMEs financing through the People's Business Credit (KUR), and accelerated realization of spending on goods and services for ministries and agencies in the first quarter of 2023, he remarked.
As for the long term, the government will continue to ensure spending on structural reforms to support competitiveness and the business climate in Indonesia.
So far, two steps taken are a Government Regulation in Lieu of a Job Creation Law (Perpu) and accelerating the risk-based business licensing system.
"The government is also waiting for support from various sectors, including the private sector, the community, and stakeholders," the minister stated.
The minister also expressed hope that Indonesia's leadership in the ASEAN in 2023 can be maximally utilized with the theme "ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth."
"ASEAN Matters" is said to make countries in Southeast Asia more relevant and play an important role in dealing with political dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region, while the "Epicentrum of Growth" is expected to make ASEAN a resilient regional economic growth center.
"This focus can be implemented with the collaboration of all elements of society, including Hipka and government collaboration. Hipka is also expected to solve various kinds of challenges in the future," he affirmed.
Hartarto believes Hipka is an intellectual and national entrepreneurial asset that will be able to foster collaboration to create independent individuals and several entrepreneurial opportunities that are expected to employ numerous people.
"I hope Hipka can play a role in creating a conducive business climate and supporting better economic growth," the minister remarked.
Translator: M Baqir I A, Resinta S
Editor: Sri Haryati
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