Minister Of Industry Agus Expresses Great Hope Prabowo: Manufacturing Sector Must Fly High

JAKARTA - Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita expressed high hopes from President Prabowo Subianto who gave him confidence to carry out his duties again as Minister of Industry (Menperin) for the next five years.

Previously, Agus was also the Minister of Industry in the era of the Joko Widodo (Jokowi) Government for the 2019-2024 period.

"So, now the expectations from the President (Prabowo Subianto) are also when giving directions to me 'because you are continuing, I hope the manufacturing sector can fly high'," said Agus at the Ministry of Industry office, quoted Wednesday, October 23.

Agus is optimistic that the work on the manufacturing industry can be handled together with the presence of Deputy Minister of Industry (Wamenperin) Faisol Riza. The reason is, Faisal is considered to have understood the challenges and strength of manufacturing because he was once the Chairman of Commission VI of the DPR RI who handled the industry.

"I am sure that he understands very well, so that his presence at the Ministry of Industry as Deputy Minister of Industry, I think manufacturing will be an added value for the Ministry of Industry and God willing, for business actors, industry players themselves," said Agus.

He also highlighted a message from President Prabowo who said that Indonesia must have the courage to recognize weaknesses.

In this case, Agus said, that his party always applies'shopping for problems' to business actors. Thus, the government can make improvements.

"We must not be afraid to face problems, so what I continue to do as a Minister of Industry is to shop for problems, shop for problems, shop for problems," he said.

"Business and problems because we must not be afraid to admit that there is a problem, if we are afraid to admit there is a problem we cannot improve ourselves. But, once we understand the problems we face then we can improve ourselves," he continued.

On the other hand, Agus conveyed, related to changes from leadership at the Ministry of Industry (Kemenperin) to adapt to existing industrial problems.

"So, later in this office in our leadership for 5 years there will be differences from the previous 5 years. However, the difference will be based on the needs, the problems we face in the field," he said.

He also invited industry business players to jointly contribute to boosting national economic growth which was planned to reach 7-8 percent in the era of President Prabowo Subianto's leadership. This target will also encourage the business world to grow.

"So this is our commitment, it's a win-win. We have a commitment of 7-8 percent (for) the next 2-3 years, so that all components of this nation, all stakeholders will win and experience economic growth," he added.