By: M. Irfandi
The political year marked by the 2019 Presidential Election can be a breath of fresh air to encourage economic growth.
The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) will release the first quarter 2019 economic growth figures on May 6, 2019. Along with the release, BPS will also announce the achievement of consumption as one of the drivers of economic growth.
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Darmin Nasution said that the holding of elections on April 17 was able to boost consumption. However, he has not been able to ensure the amount of consumption due to the celebration of the democratic party.
At the University of Indonesia, Coordinating Minister Darmin said, if consumption should be the year of election rose. It’s a long-term product, I don’t know how to look at it (the number). But if in general consumption rises.
Regarding the issue of car sales reported to have declined in recent times, the former Director General of Taxes, has not been able to ensure that it will have an effect on the decline in consumption. According to him, now all are still focused on the election.
In addition to utilizing stimulus from political activities, the government is also obliged to safeguard sectors that can disrupt economic growth. For example, maintaining household consumption does not fall, or the purchasing power of the people is maintained. The way that aid is channeled, such as for family hope programs (PKH), must also be improved. If all of that is maintained, Indonesia’s economic growth can reach 5.2 percent because we have the capital to improve it.
