Prabowo Optimistic That Indonesia's Economic Growth Can Reach 8 Percent

President-elect Prabowo Subianto during the Launch of the One One Map 2.0 Policy Geoportal and Submission of PSN and SEZ Achievements, in Jakarta, Thursday (18/7/2024). ANTARA/Bayu Saputra

JAKARTA - President-elect and Minister of Defense (Menhan) Prabowo Subianto said that until now he is still optimistic that Indonesia will be able to achieve economic growth of up to 8 percent in the next 5 years.

According to him, the construction of the National Strategic Project (PSN) is a vital aspect to achieve this target.

"Earlier, the Coordinating Minister for the Economy said that we are optimistic that we can achieve more than 5 percent growth. If I am even more brave. We must dare to set higher targets. If I am optimistic we can reach 8 percent," Prabowo said when delivering his remarks at the Launch of the One One One Map 2.0 Policy Geoportal and Submission of PSN and SEZ Achievements, in Jakarta reported by ANTARA, Thursday, July 18.

In his speech, Prabowo joked that his optimism was reflected until he was betting that several ministers of neighboring Indonesia could achieve 8 percent growth.

There are several ministers from a country who bet with me. Your excellence, if you can achieve 8 percent growth once, just once in the next 5 years, they will buy dinner for me. I said, your own. If we reach 8 percent, you have to buy me dinner," he said.

According to Prabowo, it is not impossible for Indonesia to achieve the 8 percent economic growth target, considering that Indonesia's natural resources are very large.

"If I see it, I am very optimistic, our wealth is very large, our potential is very large," said Prabowo.

Previously, at the Mandiri Investment Forum 2024 event in Jakarta, Tuesday (5/3), Prabowo had explained how to achieve this target.

He admitted that he wanted to focus on poverty alleviation by creating as many jobs as possible.

"Because it is also a guideline for the next Indonesian government, we want growth, but we want to overcome poverty, we also want to create jobs," Prabowo said.

In addition, according to Prabowo, the state, in this case BUMN, should also participate in contributing with good strategic steps.

Prabowo is also furious that his government will be able to manage rational and efficient decisions.

"And what is very clear is that we encourage efficiency, we encourage rational decisions that can prioritize the economy, we must do our best and we are very optimistic that we can do that," said Prabowo.