Regional leaders must create jobs and leverage programs initiated by the central government, such as the development of special economic zones, which can generate employment, and low-interest rate People's Business Credit (KUR), he said.
"For job creation, there must be human resources who are aligned with the potential of the region," he added at a briefing of regional leaders, according to a statement released by his ministry on Tuesday.
Hartarto outlined several important measures at the briefing, including efforts to increase equitable economic growth in regions, which can play a major role in supporting national economic growth.
He noted that several regions have succeeded in increasing economic growth with a serious commitment to industrial development and good management of regional revenue.
Regarding KUR, the government is continuing the program this year with a disbursal target of Rp300 trillion (around US$18.3 billion).
The minister requested that the labor-intensive creative industry sector in all regions continue to be encouraged so that business players can increase their competitiveness in the larger industrial market.
Furthermore, he reminded regions to encourage downstreaming, which is not only applicable to large-sized businesses but also medium-sized businesses and can help boost exports.
He also highlighted the importance of the role of special economic zones in improving regional economy, adding that the development of several special economic zones still needs to be pushed.
The development is also deemed necessary to support the target of achieving an incremental capital output ratio (ICOR) of 4.
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Translator: Bayu Saputra, Raka Adji
Editor: Arie Novarina
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