"We are gathered here again this afternoon, with an agenda of evaluating what we are doing after we have produced a package of policies to overcome and manage current economic challenges," he said at the beginning of the meeting in Jakarta.
The meeting was attended by vice president Boediono, coordinating minister for economic affairs Hatta Rajasa, finance minister Chatib Basri, trade minister Gita Wirjawan, energy minister Jero Wacik, manpower minister Muhaimin Iskandar, agriculture minister Suswono, coordinating minister of politics, security and legal affairs Djoko Suyanto and minister/state secretary Sudi Silalahi.
President Yudhoyono said he wished to assure that the steps that had been taken were correct and would reap positive results.
"Report to me and the vice president everything you have done and would do or perhaps you have new ideas that you would give to us. Or perhaps we would give you new directives or instructions," he said.
Worries over possible crisis are strongly felt in line with current depreciation of the rupiah and other currencies against the US dollar.
The country`s currency has dropped below Rp11,000 against the dollar which continues to rise.
The government has produced a package of policies to anticipate a crisis including maintaining the rupiah exchange rate and improving the current account by boosting exports and reducing imports of oil and gas and increasing tax on luxury goods.
To maintain economic growth the government would maintain the fiscal deficit to be at the secure range of 2.38 percent and reduce tax on labor-intensive industries.
To keep inflation in check and maintain public buying power, the government meanwhile would cooperate with Bank Indonesia to change trade regulations on several commodities.
The government would also spur investments by simplifying licensing procedures and accelerate revision of the investment negative list and gives incentive to export-oriented investment companies as well as speeding up renegotiation of mining contracts.
Reported by Muhammad Arief Iskandar
(M041/H-YH/INE)
Editor: Suryanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2013
