Coordinating Minister Airlangga: Indonesia Must Take Momentum To Set G20's Big Agenda

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto. (Photo: Doc. Coordinating Ministry for the Economy)

JAKARTA - Indonesia can take momentum from the good views of the international world so far. As a country that is considered successful in dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic as well as accelerating national economic recovery, Indonesia can be an example. Likewise when hosting the prestigious G20 President.

"This is the world's largest gathering of influential leaders, who will become the center of world attention," said Golkar Party Chairman Airlangga Hartarto, in his opening speech for the Golkar Institute's public lecture delivered virtual Wednesday, October 27.

The chairman of the Golkar Party who is also the Coordinating Minister for the Economy explained that from the G20 meeting in 2022, Indonesia as the host has a great opportunity to set the agenda and persuade other countries about the best way forward in the post-pandemic world.

"We can also be the voice of a developing world, a voice with a friendly tone but with a clear purpose, a voice of reason in a world with rising tensions of great powers, which is alarmingly moving on a path that everyone may regret," said Airlangga Hartarto.

The Chairperson of the Committee for Handling COVID-19 and National Economic Recovery (KPCPEN) further stated that the voice of Indonesia must represent and at the same time be the voice of humanity and democracy.

"We must remain friends, we are not chasing fear or arrogance, but to embrace each other in the spirit of hope and common interests," explained Airlangga.

Airlangga in particular conveyed his praise to the expert on Asia and Indonesia from Singapore, Prof. Kishore Mahbubani. The Golkar Institute adviser is of the opinion that Indonesia is now in a good position to play such a role.

"Professor Kishore can explain that in the context of leadership and democracy in the world today, Indonesia should be proud," said Airlangga.

"Indonesia is the fourth largest country in the world, very diverse, with thousands of islands, a place that is not easy for anyone to rule. However, under the darkest days in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, we managed to keep our democracy and our economy relatively healthy, " he added.

Airlangga emphasized that from the successful handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, economic recovery, and political stability, Indonesian democracy will become stronger. According to him, the national economy will grow even better.

"We have shown the world that we have succeeded in doing many things that were considered impossible in the developing world and cultivating the flower of democracy by embracing diversity, by embracing Islam and moderation, and by allowing freedom to flourish while maintaining order and decency," he explained. .

Airlangga Hartarto emphasized that although Indonesia was hit by a pandemic, compared to what was happening in most other countries, Indonesia was blessed with a strong economy.

"Our record is by far the best in Asia, in terms of rebound rates after or during the pandemic," said Airlangga.

"If we continue this positive trend in the years to come, Indonesia will become one of the world's five largest economies, long before we celebrate 100 years of Indonesian Independence in 2045. This is our deepest dream: strong, healthy, sensible country, power for good in the world."