VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

The Indonesian government will further encourage and develop the manufacturing sector. This is in accordance with the direction of President Joko Widodo to enhance the economic growth. Minister of Industry, Airlangga Hartarto said that the manufacturing industry sector is the mainstay of Indonesia's exports due to its high competitiveness. In a meeting of the Trade Ministry held in Jakarta on Thursday (February 1st), Minister Airlangga explained that there are five main commodities of manufacturing exports. They are food and beverage, chemical industry, metal, rubber and food. Thus, the government will improve the good climate in the manufacturing industry.

"... Well, if we see there, that the export we send is 74% of our exports from the industry. And from investment, it is the industry's highest sector. So, the only way we can do to improve the job is by providing industry with a good climate, including giving ease in getting raw materials. Well…, if this can be provided, I'm sure the investment will increase," Airlangga said.

Minister Airlangga further explained that in the future, there will be some sectors that can also be prioritized for exports, such as automotive, electronics, food and beverages. He views that the future of the sector will be the determinant sector of the world’s economy. These sectors have also run a 4.0 industry revolution or industry that utilizes technological advances to boost competitiveness. Minister Airlangga added that Indonesia's competitiveness rate has improved, namely at 36^th rank out of 137 countries. But there are some sectors that still cannot compete in the field of primary education and labor market efficiency. To cope with it, the government encourages vocational education programs and facilitates the permits of foreign workers.///(VOI/Skr/AHM)