"The problem must be resolved soon before it has a far-reaching effect on the national economy," Kadin deputy chairman for banking and financial affairs, Rosan P. Roeslani said here on Wednesday.
Indonesia recorded a trade deficit of US$3.3 billion in the first quarter of 2013. The figure is expected to increase to US$6 billion at the end of this year.
The deficit was triggered by high import of oil and auxiliary materials and low export of national commodities.
To curb the deficit, he said the government must be able to control the high import of oil and auxiliary materials while at the same time raising the export of national commodities.
"Export potentials in various parts of the country have not been tapped very much. In fact, every region in Indonesia has typical commodities which can be developed into key export commodities," he said.
He said the rupiah`s weakening against the dollar should serve as a momentum for exporters to increase their exports in order to reduce the trade deficit. (S012/B003)
Editor: Kunto Wibisono
Copyright © ANTARA 2013
