... It did not come from above... "Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Yudhoyono called on the nation to keep on maintaining the economic conditions to assure continued growth despite increasing political tension ahead of the general elections in 2014.
"Even in the political years people would continue hoping for improvement in their welfare. So, my advise, is despite the current political year let us continue prioritizing the economy," he said in his speech at the Chinese Cap Go Meh celebration event here on Sunday.
He said political temperature may increase ahead of the general elections but economic conditions must remain maintained.
"Our economic conditions must be maintained. Our economy must continue to grow," he said adding economic growth would improve the people's welfare, alleviate poverty and reduce unemployment.
He said although political temperature would heat up there would be nothing not be worried about if the people's welfare is maintained and the economy continues to grow.
With regard to that he said cooperation between the business community and the government must continue.
He reminded that the countr'`s success in maintaining its economic growth at above six percent so far was not made without hard work and efforts.
Chinese Indonesians celebrate Cap Go Meh 15 days after Chinese New Year Imlek.
This year's event was organized by the Chinese Indonesians Joint Forum. "It did not come from above," he said.
FBIT chairman Murdaya W Poo said the Chinese Indonesian citizens were ready to become part of the nation to advance the country following the issuance of Law Number 40 of 2008 that eradicates any kind of discrimination including against racial and ethnic groups making the terms of indigenous and non-indigenous no longer relevant.
(G003/H-YH/O001)
Editor: Ade P Marboen
Copyright © ANTARA 2013
