VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

VOINews, Jakarta - Presidential Chief of Staff Moeldoko, shared that Indonesia's journey out of the pandemic-induced economic crisis has not been easy. Like many other countries, Indonesia has to deal with the residue left by the pandemic coupled with the uncertain global geopolitical situation.

"This pandemic leaves a residue that must be overcome, while global geopolitical conditions make the situation even more complex," he said in the Forum Merdeka Barat 9 (FMB9) Dialogue Launching 2023 Performance Achievements, in Central Jakarta, Tuesday (24/10/2023).

In facing these challenges, Indonesia has used a series of effective strategies led by a spirit of cooperation and strong leadership.

The first strategy taken is the careful handling of pandemic residues. The government made maximum efforts to address the health and economic impacts left behind.

Second, the government efficiently distributed social assistance to ensure that no one went hungry, and provided much-needed support to those affected economically.

Third, the government safeguards the role of the cooperative, MSME, and corporate sectors in economic recovery. The government must ensure that none of these business entities fail due to the crisis.

In the face of economic uncertainties brought about by the pandemic, coupled with the complicated geopolitical situation, the government made prudent budgetary relocations.

"Budget relocation is followed by 'gas and brake' tactics. In an up situation, activities are braked, loose speed is increased," Moeldoko said.

Emerging from the crisis, Indonesia is now looking forward to the vision of an Advanced Indonesia 2045. To realize this, Moeldoko explained that the government has prepared five main foundations.

The first foundation is the development of Human Resources (HR). According to him, quality human resources are an important foundation for the progress of a nation.

Second, infrastructure development. Moeldoko said that infrastructure development is important to encourage economic growth and equitable development.

Third, bureaucratic reform. According to him, an effective and efficient bureaucracy is expected to be able to provide better public services.

Fourth, improving regulations. Moeldoko said that regulations that are not investment-friendly will hamper economic growth.

Finally, the foundation of economic transformation. Moeldoko explained that economic transformation is important to improve Indonesia's competitiveness in the era of globalization.

The government also continues to encourage sustainable economic growth, among others through industrial downstreaming and green economy development.

"Yesterday the President inaugurated the carbon exchange. This carbon exchange will produce something extraordinary, in the context of moving towards a green economy," he explained.

Connectivity

To achieve the vision of an Advanced Indonesia 2045, it takes all aspects that must be done early. This includes the development and equalization of internet networks in Indonesia.

In the same forum, Minister of Communication and Information Budi Arie Setiadi, revealed that connectivity is the main challenge in realizing Indonesia's goal of becoming a developed country.

"There are three aspects of connectivity that need to be considered, namely capacity, coverage, and quality," he said.

In terms of capacity, Indonesia still needs to catch up with other countries. The average internet speed in Indonesia is still at 22 Mbps. In terms of coverage, internet penetration in Indonesia has only reached 78 percent. This means that there are still 22 percent of Indonesia's population who do not have internet access.

"This condition mainly occurs in the 3T, Outermost, Remote and Disadvantaged areas," said Budi.

Minister Budi Arie stated that the internet in Indonesia also still needs to be improved. There are still many areas in Indonesia that experience internet signal interference, especially in mountainous areas and water areas.

"In the city it is okay, but in rural areas there is still a lot to be addressed," he added.

Back to the Map

In President Joko Widodo's ninth year in office, Indonesia has been in the spotlight again in recent years. This is marked by Indonesia's increasing role in various international forums, such as the G20, ASEAN, and being elected as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council.

Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Lalu Muhammad Iqbal, said that the phrase 'back to the map' is appropriate to describe Indonesia's rise in the international world because it has a deep meaning.

"After the reformation, Indonesia had slumped and lost the trust of the international community. However, in the last ten years, Indonesia has shown an extraordinary resurgence," he said.

According to him, Indonesia has clear principles in carrying out foreign policy. Indonesia prioritizes the principle of never being a problem, but being present to bring solutions to the world.

Therefore, Lalu Muhammad Iqbal is optimistic that Indonesia will continue to be a leader in the region and globally in the future.

"We have great potential to become a world leader," he said. (Ministry of Communication and Information)