VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Feb. 11 - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has urged the regional governments to have in place more labor-intensive programs to boost the people's purchasing power and drive consumption.

"We should have in place more labor-intensive programs to strengthen the people's purchasing power and increase public consumption," Jokowi remarked at the opening of the national meeting of the Association of Indonesian Municipalities (APEKSI) at the State Palace, Jakarta, on Thursday.

The head of state noted that state expenditure from the state budget (APBN) and the regional budget (APBD) were currently the only drivers of the people's economy.

Hence, it becomes increasingly important for the government to provide as many jobs as possible for the public.

Jokowi remarked that the labor-intensive programs in regions could cover the improvement of roads, waterways, and public health centers (Puskesmas) as well as school renovation.

"I think several sectors can be involved, so there will be jobs for the public, and we pay the wages for them. It will increase consumption, the people's purchasing power, and demand in our economy," Jokowi elaborated.

The labor-intensive program will boost public infrastructure while concurrently creating jobs for the public.

The president has also urged the local government to continue the distribution of social assistance, especially in the form of basic necessities for members of the low-income section of society and individuals, who could not be covered under the labor-intensive program. (Antaranews)