Coordinating Minister Airlangga: Economy In The Fourth Quarter Of 2021 Grows Above 5 Percent

JAKARTA - Although the fourth quarter of 2021 has not yet fully ended, the Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Airlangga Hartarto, is optimistic that the estimated economic growth will reach 5 percent.

According to him, if this can be realized, economic growth throughout 2021 will be in the specified target range, which is 3.7 percent to 4.0 percent.

"The slope of active COVID-19 cases, which encourages people's mobility and has the potential to increase strategic sectors such as the manufacturing and trade industries", he said as released on the official website on Thursday, December 30.

In addition, Airlangga assessed that support from the health sector such as vaccination and the provision of various social assistance has accelerated the situation for the better.

"Don't forget that the mining and quarrying sector continues to thrive due to high export demand and strengthening commodity prices", he said.

For information, in the 2022 period, the government has officially set a target for economic growth at the level of 5.2 percent. This amount is considered in line with projections from several international institutions such as the IMF (5.9 percent), OECD (5.2 percent), and the World Bank (5.2 percent).

“This projection will be achieved with a record of stable health conditions, and a large increase in the value of exports because commodity prices are also high. But this momentum must be seen in the first 6 months to be able to decide on the next policy", he stressed.

Airlangga wants economic growth next year to continue to be supported by community discipline in implementing health protocols, carrying out vaccinations, as well as responding to economic policies from the fiscal and monetary side as well as creating job opportunities and readiness for transformation.

“The 2021 period is a tough year, but the solution is innovation and optimism. So, the provision for 2022 is to continue to innovate, be optimistic, so we will move forward. Don't forget that progress is the key, also do a vaccine booster", concluded Coordinating Minister Airlangga.