"In general, the economy is good. However, we hope that exports will recover and become normal again, especially the price of commodities," Bank Central Asia (BCA) President Director Jahja Setiaatmadja said.Jakarta (ANTARA News) - A top banker has expressed hope that Indonesian exports will recover soon and the country`s economy will continue to grow at a healthy pace this year.
"In general, the economy is good. However, we hope that exports will recover and become normal again, especially the price of commodities," Bank Central Asia (BCA) president director Jahja Setiaatmadja said after the launch of Transjakarta e-ticketing system here on Tuesday.
He stated that Indonesia should take note of China whose economy had shown signs of improvement lately.
"We must see the development in China. Its economy is already improving. It grew by 8 percent last year. With such high growth, exports to the country will keep increasing," Jahja pointed out.
The government must maintain a balance between exports and imports, he stated.
"This is important for the sake of dollar liquidity. As exports drop, so will prices and volumes," Jahja explained.
As for imports, they will rise as domestic demand increases because all components of a product are not available at home, he continued.
"Many raw materials, among other things, need to be imported. And that drives up imports," Jahja said.
Jahja also pointed out that the government must step up efforts to reduce the country`s trade imbalance.
"Liquidity of foreign currencies has been tight from the beginning of 2011. Even now it is tight, while demand is still very high. Therefore, there is not enough liquidity," he added.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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