Head Of BIN Budi Gunawan: Success In Overcoming COVID-19 Inspires To Maintain Political Stability

Head of BIN Budi Gunawan/Antara

JAKARTA - Head of the State Intelligence Agency (BIN) General Purnawirawan Budi Gunawan said that the government's success in controlling or overcoming the COVID-19 pandemic should be used by the nation's children as inspiration in maintaining a conducive socio-political environment.

"So that the transition from the pandemic to endemic will be complete with continued economic recovery and the successful implementation of the 2024 simultaneous national agenda, general election and regional elections," said Budi Gunawan in a written statement received in Jakarta, reported by Antara, Monday, April 18.

According to Budi Gunawan, this success should have created good conditions to concentrate on carrying out the continuation of the national economic recovery program. However, external factors due to the Ukraine conflict as well as world geopolitical tensions, brought other challenges.

"The government is now paying attention to reducing this external pressure on the community's economy, especially the lower class," said Budi.

He acknowledged that the conflict in Ukraine had an impact on the scarcity of various basic needs, triggering inflation and even the threat of stagflation in a number of countries. In Indonesia, the impact is felt by the community, especially due to the inevitable increase in prices.

"Especially the price of fuel, food and various derivative products," he said.

The government, he continued, has sought a series of economic support programs for the wider community, especially the poor and vulnerable categories whose value is close to Rp500 trillion. This is because, if pressures in the economic sector are not addressed, the effect can have an impact on socio-political life. Meanwhile, on the other hand, Indonesia is currently facing a national agenda, namely the 2024 general election and local elections.

"All of these are government affirmation programs to provide protection to the community," he said.

He asked the government's affirmative steps to be followed by all elements of the nation, including national economic actors. The momentum is seen as a form of concern for the community.

One of them can be done by not participating in consuming subsidized commodities and services, not distorting the market for temporary profits, and providing opportunities and support for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) so that they can continue to grow.

Finally, according to him, the most valuable lesson from external conditions that have an impact on the national economy is the need for joint efforts to create economic independence.

"That is an economy that is able to meet the nation's essential needs and support national security," he said.