I see that there is still an opportunity to do it in a viable way. There are sources available, such as found in certain mines, instead of exploiting taxes across all sectors...However, real efforts must be made to increase state revenues
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono is preparing five measures to safeguard the economy and assure continued economic progress.

"We discussed five measures yesterday. I call them five policies that we must make and implement," he said at a limited meeting on the 2012 revised budget at his office here on Wednesday.

The first policy deals with securing the 2012 revised budget, if the price of subsidized fuels is not raised.

The second policy calls for increasing state revenues he said, adding, that efforts to increase revenues must not be made by levying new taxes that are counter-productive.

"I see that there is still an opportunity to do it in a viable way. There are sources available, such as found in certain mines, instead of exploiting taxes across all sectors. That will be counter-productive. However, real efforts must be made to increase state revenues," he added.

The third policy focuses on increased austerity, which is hoped will become a common goal of all national agencies.

The fourth policy is connected to the use of natural gas and is expected to boost industries and the progress of real sectors to maintain economic growth.

"This is also connected with our electricity problem and the efforts to reduce the use of fuel oil in power plants. Correct and quick efforts need to be made on all lines," the President said.

He said the fifth policy deals with investment. "We wish to increase investments this year, next year and in the years ahead," he noted.

President Yudhoyono is optimistic that in 2012 Indonesia will be able to overcome its economic challenges, if his proposed policies are correctly implemented and supported by all agencies.

"In view of that, let us create and assure conditions for it so that investments will progress. If the five policies are managed well, I am optimistic that our economy in 2012 will be safe," he said.

(M041)

Editor: Ella Syafputri
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