Accelerating Economic Growth, Coordinating Minister For The Economy Airlangga Encourages Development Of Green Energy, Health Security, And Food Security

Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto. (Photo: Doc. Antara)

JAKARTA—Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto highlighted the current world energy crisis as an opportunity as well as affirming the commitment to transition and investment towards new renewable energy or clean energy.

This opportunity arises because Indonesia has the potential for green energy. Namely on solar, wind, water, and geothermal.

"Development of green energy can support island-based energy security in accordance with Indonesia's geographical conditions," said Coordinating Minister Airlangga in his statement, quoted Wednesday, March 23.

In addition to green energy, the government is trying to build health resilience. Both in terms of infrastructure, human resources, and the health industry. Surveillance continues to be strengthened to anticipate the emergence of new variants of COVID-19.

Meanwhile, investment commitments in the development of the health system are also reflected in the implementation of the 2022 State Budget.

"Development in the health sector has a high multiplier effect on the economy and job creation. Commitment to improving the health system will increase Indonesia's confidence and ability to face risks in the future," said Airlangga who is also the Chair of the Covid-19 Handling Committee and National Economic Recovery (KPCPEN).

Airlangga added, in terms of food security, the government is committed to increasing agricultural and fishery productivity through various strategies.

Among other things, the implementation of the Job Creation Act related to simplification, acceleration, certainty in licensing, as well as export/import approvals; digitization of agriculture and fisheries MSMEs; developing a food logistics system in synergy with SOEs; strengthening inter-regional cooperation in food fulfillment; establishment of Food SOEs; and increasing the competence of agricultural human resources to adapt to climate change.

With these various opportunities, Airlangga emphasized, Indonesia remains optimistic that the economic recovery can be accelerated and grow better in 2022. Although, it must be admitted, almost all countries in the world are facing challenges amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, the Indonesian economy is still supported by a resilient external sector with the current account recording a surplus, the rupiah exchange rate and JCI continuing to strengthen, and the external debt to GDP ratio at a safe level.

Airlangga said, with the various challenges and opportunities that exist, the government is optimistic that the Indonesian economy will grow above 5.2 percent (yoy).

"The crisis has taught us how important it is to build resilience, both health and economic resilience, especially in the food and energy sectors,"

According to the chairman of the Golkar Party, with the cooperation of all stakeholders, Indonesia has proven to be able to get through and adapt to the pandemic crisis.

"In the future, cooperation needs to be improved so that Indonesia will not only be able to get through the crisis, but also take advantage of existing opportunities to achieve economic goals and future economic development," said Airlangga.