Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Although there were still some problems that hindered Indonesia`s economic progress, President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said it was getting stronger.

"I specifically stated that Indonesia`s economy is getting stronger," President Yudhoyono said in his address at the World Economic Forum on East Asia (WEF-EA) here on Sunday.

The president said Indonesia wanted to be part of ten countries with the largest economy in the world because its gross domestic product closed to US$1 trillion.

In addition, President Yudhoyono said Indonesia had a balanced budget and good fiscal policy.

"The ratio of debt to gross domestic product reaches 26 percent, or the lowest in the history," the president said, adding that trading volume tended to increase and foreign investment was high.

Despite a good performance in some aspects, the head of state said Indonesia would not stop trying and therefore the government has launched the master plan to accelerate and expand the country`s economy in the next 15 years.

Specifically, the president asserted that Indonesia was a country with exceptional durability.

"Indonesia has endured from various trials such as financial crisis, political instability, demonstrations, bird flu, constitutional crisis, ethnic conflicts, separatism, terrorism, and even natural disasters," the president said.

In spite of having gone through the trials, the president said Indonesia remained as the third largest democratic country, as G-20 member, and as ASEAN chairman.

Therefore President Yudhoyono expressed optimism that with high spirit and the change in mindset to make changes, Indonesia would become even better in the future.
(Uu.O001/A014)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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