Minister Of Finance Admits That He Is Still Adapting, Apologizes And Is Ready To Improve Himself

Minister of Finance Purbaya Yudhi Sadive. (Photo: ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Minister of Finance Purbaya Yudhi Sadivewa apologized and admitted that he was still new to the Ministry of Finance, and was still in the process of being adjusted.

"I'm still a new official here, the minister is also shocked, so if you say he said, if Sri Mulyani said, her style is cowboy, when she was at LPS there was no one to monitor it, so I calmed down, it turned out that in a different finance, ma'am said the wrong thing, I was immediately twisted here and there," said Purbaya after handing over the position at the Ministry of Finance, Tuesday, September 9.

He also apologized if there was an earlier statement that was inappropriate and committed to being more careful going forward.

"So yesterday, if there was a mistake, I apologize in the future it would be even better," he said.

Purbaya emphasized that his readiness to work hard and ask for support from various parties, including guidance from Sri Mulyani.

"I'm just here, which is clear that I will try my best, later I will also ask Mrs. Sri Mulyani for instructions so that our fiscal policy can be good and the overall economy can grow even better," he said.

He also expressed hope to the public to be given time to adapt in his new role.

"So in the future, media friends, please give me time to work well, later when it's been a few months, you will criticize it all out," he said.

Previously, Purbaya also responded to the 17+8 demands voiced by the public through social media and demonstrations. Purbaya admitted that he had not studied the contents of the demands in detail.

"I haven't learned that (the demand is 17+8), but basically like this, it's the voice of a small number of our people," he said at the Press Conference, Monday, September 8.

According to Purbaya, some people are dissatisfied because they have not felt the direct impact of current economic policies.

He is optimistic that if economic growth increases significantly, social tensions such as demonstrations can be reduced.

"Why? Maybe some feel disturbed, their lives are still lacking. Once I create economic growth of 6 percent, 7 percent, it will disappear automatically. They will be busy looking for work and eating well compared to demo," he said.

Purbaya menjelaskan, fokus utamanya bukan pada mengejar target angka pertumbuhan ekonomi hingga 8 persen, melainkan pada upaya menciptakan pertumbuhan ekonomi secepat dan seoptimal mungkin.

"Bukan bakal dikejar 8 persen. Kita akan kejar secepat ciptakan pertumbuhan yang paling cepat, seoptimal mungkin. Kalau Anda bilang bisa enggak besok 8 (persen)? Kalau saya bilang bisa kan saya nipu. Tapi kita bergerak ke arah sana,” tuturnya.

Purbaya explained that the main focus was not on pursuing economic growth targets of up to 8 percent, but on efforts to create economic growth as quickly and optimally as possible.

"It will not be pursued by 8 percent. We will pursue it as soon as we create the fastest growth, as optimally as possible. If you say it can be tomorrow 8 (percent)? If I say I can do it. But we move that way," he said.