Strengthening National Economic Fundamentals, Government Encourages Collaboration With Business World

JAKARTA - The government continues to emphasize its commitment to maintaining national economic resilience in the face of the dynamics of a global economy full of uncertainty.

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto explained that one of them is through collaborative efforts with business actors so that the national economy continues to grow and be competitive, as well as being able to encourage job creation through various strategic programs.

"We are open to proposals for policies that can create job creation and allow people to have the opportunity," he said in his statement, quoted on Sunday, September 7.

This was stated in the Lunch Meeting with the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) at the Kuningan Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the meeting became a forum to discuss the current conditions of the Indonesian economy as well as formulate policy directions and opportunities for future collaboration.

Airlangga expressed his appreciation to the business world for remaining optimistic in the midst of political and economic dynamics, as well as emphasizing the importance of collaboration in maintaining inclusive growth.

In addition, Airlangga conveyed various concrete programs to strengthen the real sector, ranging from revitalizing labor-intensive industries, stimulus for the tourism sector, support for public housing through the FLPP and KUR schemes, free Nutrition Food programs, wage subsidy assistance, expansion of access to financing for MSMEs and farmers, to policies related to employment.

He conveyed that along with the entry of new graduates into the job market, the Government proposed that large companies open up opportunities for industrial internships for 6 months by providing honorariums.

According to him, the program is not just a practice work, but a real opportunity for graduates to gain work experience and skills, as well as help companies find potential new talents.

In addition, he said that the Government is also encouraging the development of the tourism sector, in line with the policy of opening new international airports.

Airlangga added that the business world is expected to take advantage of this opportunity to strengthen the leading tourist area which is the mainstay of regional economic growth.

According to him, at the same time, digital transformation is also driven by the use of artificial intelligence which is projected to be able to absorb large amounts of labor.

"Digitalization, including AI, will employ a lot of workers. Therefore, entrepreneurs will encourage it. So now the acceleration will actually be higher. Earlier, it was submitted for labeling data alone, it needed 10 thousand workers," said Airlangga.

On the other hand, he said that the Government is also pushing for the acceleration of the National Strategic Project, including the Giant Sea Wall development plan as a flagship program to protect coastal communities from the impact of climate change.

Airlangga said that the project would later be carried out in stages and cooperation offers had been opened with a number of partner countries such as China, Korea, Japan, to European countries.

Furthermore, he said that Indonesia's commitment to the global arena will also continue to be strengthened where the IEU-CEPA is planned to be signed on September 23, 2025.

In addition, Airlangga said the Government would continue trade negotiations with the United States. Then, Indonesia also recorded victory in WTO in biodiesel and nickel disputes, which showed Indonesia's firm position in fighting for national interests.

He said that all these policies were directed to maintain economic stability, expand job creation, and strengthen Indonesia's competitiveness.

Airlangga emphasized that this success can only be realized through close cooperation between the Government, the business world, and the community.

"The government will provide legal certainty, fiscal incentives, and maintain macro stability so that the business climate will be more conducive," he explained.