Observer: One Decade of Jokowi Era, Economic and Food Sectors Experience Significant Progress
Jakarta – The term of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) is only a matter of days away. Next, the baton of government will be transferred to a new leader, namely Prabowo Subianto. According to the schedule, on October 20, 2024, Prabowo-Gibran will be inaugurated as President & Vice President-elect for the 2024-2029 period.
A decade of Jokowi’s leadership, Indonesia’s economic growth continues to be accelerated in line with efforts to improve people’s welfare. An economy that continues to record sustainable growth must also be balanced with an increase in people’s welfare.
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said the World Bank appreciates Indonesia’s stable economic growth of above 5 percent with an inflation rate of 2.58 percent. In addition, the World Bank also appreciates a number of programs that have been carried out by the Indonesian government.
“The World Bank feels that the program carried out by Indonesia is a massive and large-scale program. It is expected to be a model for other countries outside Indonesia. The World Bank also said that it is important to develop infrastructure transmission, and this is a priority that needs to be carried out by the government,” said Airlangga.
Similarly, Economic Observer from the University of Indonesia, Athor Subroto, said that the Jokowi government’s commitment to embracing all components of politicians, gives a signal to entrepreneurs and the public that Indonesian politics is mature. With that signal, many economic actors feel confident to carry out economic activities in Indonesia.
“The commitment to a smooth transition from the Jokowi government to Prabowo is a good thing, so that the quick win of the next government can run quickly, because that is something that must be implemented immediately,” said Athor in Jakarta.
Meanwhile, Political Economy Observer from Bung Karno University, Faisyal Chaniago said that the economic growth of President Jokowi’s era could be continued by Prabowo’s government. Such as increasing the role of BUMN, which must be considered by the next government.
“The next government must implement downstreaming because this will be the biggest income later. There must not be a decline in the middle class because it will shake the country,” Faisyal concluded.
Regarding food, Minister of Agriculture (Mentan) Andi Amran Sulaiman compared the achievement of food self-sufficiency in the era of President Jokowi with that of President Soeharto, which were both extraordinary and capable of meeting the people’s food needs.
“Self-sufficiency in the era of President Jokowi, three times 2017-2019 and 2020 there was no import of medium rice with a population ratio of 200 million (people). This means that our efforts are extraordinary if we want to compare it with 1984. I think Pak Harto’s food policy is great and the current government is also great,” said the Minister of Agriculture.
The Minister of Agriculture emphasized that the success of the agricultural sector over the past decade cannot be separated from the hard work of farmers, who are the main pillars in agricultural development. In addition, the contribution of regional heads and other stakeholders also played an important role.
“All of this is the result of the hard work and dedication of farmers throughout Indonesia. President Jokowi greatly appreciates them, and I as Minister of Agriculture would also like to thank all farmers, including governors, regents, and all stakeholders,” said the Minister of Agriculture.
