"In line with President Joko Widodo's directives, Jakarta will remain a business city, a global scale economic city," Assistant for the Economy and Finance to the Jakarta Regional Secretary Sri Haryati affirmed at the 2023 Indonesia Retail Summit (IRS) in Jakarta on Monday.
She noted that her party and the central government are continuing to hold discussions on maintaining Jakarta's economic stability in the future after the relocation of the capital.
This is because Jakarta contributes 16–17 percent to the national economy. Therefore, its economic stability will greatly affect the Indonesian economy, Haryati explained.
She further said that the regional government cannot protect Jakarta's economy without help from other parties. She asked business actors, including retail entrepreneurs, to collaborate in supporting the city's economy.
She said the provincial government is open to regulations or suggestions. According to her, the regional government is ready to sit down with entrepreneurs to discuss inputs.
"We will make every effort to maintain Jakarta's economic movement after the relocation because the contribution of this retail industry to employment and others is very high. We need to support each other to maintain the economy," she emphasized.
Based on data from the Indonesian Shopping Center Management Association (APPBI), the number of shopping centers in Jakarta reached 96 as of January 16, 2023. This number comprised 76 malls and 20 trade centers.
Furthermore, the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs noted that this year, there will be an increase in the number of visitors to shopping centers nationally since they have become people's favorite haunts during the past Eid holidays.
The number of visitors to shopping centers has reportedly reached 100 percent, an increase from around 90 percent in 2022.
The increase in visitors has been attributed to the revocation of community activity restrictions (PPKM). The increase is also in line with the rise in the consumer confidence index (IKK), which reached a level of 127.1 in June 2023, or up six percent compared to the end of last year, and was included in the optimistic zone category.
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Translator: Ade Irma J, Resinta S
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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