Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said on Tuesday Indonesia`s economy grew 6.5 percent in the fourth quarter of 2011 making it the country with the highest growth rate in the Southeast Asian region.

"The economic growth of 6.5 percent in the fourth quarter of 2011 was the highest among the ASEAN member states," Yudhoyono said at a plenary cabinet meeting at the Presidential Office here.

Indonesia`s inflation rate at 3.79 percent in 2011 was also the lowest in the Asia Pacific region, he said.

"Our inflation rate once reached an all time low of 2.78 percent in 2009," he said.

Another piece of good news was that Indonesia`s exports hit a record high of US$200 billion last year, he said.

"These achievements give us a spiritual impetus not only to maintain the growth level we have attained but also to increase it this year," he said.

Earlier, the President in his address marking New Year`s Eve on Saturday (Dec 31) expressed hope that synergy among the executive, legislative and judicial bodies at central and regional levels would be enhanced in 2012.

He asked the government`s rank and file to remain in the forefront of efforts to make higher achievements in 2012.

Also present at the plenary cabinet session were Vice President Boediono and members of the Presidential Advisory Council.
(T.G003*F008/Uu.S012/HAJM)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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