"Inflation also leads to increased poverty."
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has stated that Indonesia`s positive economic growth amid the global crisis should be improved, but the government also needs to prevent the gap between the rich and the poor from widening, as is happening in other countries such as China and Brazil.

"Our main challenge is how we can reduce poverty and reduce the widening wealth disparity. It`s a problem faced by many countries," he said here on Monday.

The head of state called on all parties to step up efforts to reduce poverty and narrow the gap between the rich and poor.

"This problem exists in almost all countries. Therefore, I urge the central and local governments to make joint efforts to reduce poverty and economic disparities," he stated.

The President also called on the government to pay more attention to inflation and price stability, saying inflation must be kept under control to reduce economic inequality in the country.

"Inflation also leads to increased poverty. Therefore, let us scrap policies that trigger inflation. I see that there are still pockets of poverty in various districts or cities. Therefore, I urge all parties to take full responsibility," he said.

The President opened the 2013 government working meeting on Monday morning at the Jakarta Convention Centre, which was attended by central and local government officials.

The Presidential address was followed by speeches from the Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Hatta Rajasa, Coordinating Minister for People`s Welfare Agung Laksono and Coordinating Minister for Political, Legal and Security Affairs Djoko Suyanto.

The afternoon session featured a panel discussion among others Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) chairman, Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) chairman, attorney general and National Police Chief on efforts to eradicate and prevent corruption.

At the evening session, the President will discuss the 2013 government work plan in a closed meeting.

While opening the meeting at 10 am local time, the president said the meeting was "crucial to the success of the government`s efforts in 2013".

The President also called on the newly elected and re-elected local heads to implement his campaign seriously.

"I congratulate the newly elected or re-elected government officials, especially governors, regents and mayors. And now, let`s promise to work hard," he said.

The 2013 government working meeting was attended by governors, regents, mayors, high-ranking military and police officials, members of the Presidential Advisory Council, National Economic Committee, National Innovation Committee and the chairman of the state-owned and public enterprises.
(U.S038/INE/KR-BSR/B003)

Editor: Priyambodo RH
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