Observer Says Economic Growth Is Not The Most Important, But How Industry Must Survive In The Midst Of A Pandemic

JAKARTA - Institute for Development of Economics and Finance (Indef) observer Andry Satrio Nugroho said that instead of the issue of quarterly economic growth, the government needs to focus on keeping the industrial sector, as the main driver of the economy, able to survive in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

"In our opinion, of course, the focus that needs to be maintained by the government is not on the issue of growth on a quarterly basis, but of course how this industry can survive during the pandemic", said Andry, quoted from Antara, Monday, August 23.

Andry said, for export-oriented industries in Indonesia, it is important to ensure that the sector is able to meet the demands of export destination countries properly.

If the Indonesian industry fails to meet their needs, Andry continued, the country will look for industries from other countries to replace Indonesia in meeting their needs.

"So, how we keep it fulfilled becomes important", said Andry.

In addition, another thing that also needs attention is how the industrial sector does not have a negative impact due to the pandemic.

For example, regarding urgent termination of employment (PHK) due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For this reason, Andry appreciates the government's efforts through the Ministry of Industry which routinely reports on its performance to evaluate the production process and the health condition of employees every Tuesday and Friday.

Andry hopes that the massive spread of COVID-19 will no longer occur so that the wheels of the economy can slowly turn and recover from day to day.

"Seeing that our vaccinations are still low, of course, that makes us have to be on guard because we don't want a massive spread and a return to tightening rather than economic activity, let alone production", said Andry.