By: Andika Pratama )*
Over the past decade, the leadership of President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has succeeded in demonstrating extraordinary economic resilience amidst various global challenges. During this period, Indonesia not only managed to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic crisis, but was also able to maintain a significant rate of economic growth. This claim of success is supported by various economic indicators that show positive trends.
One of the main indicators of President Jokowi’s economic success is economic growth which consistently exceeds the average global economic growth. Post-pandemic, when other countries were only able to grow in the range of 2-3 percent, Indonesia managed to record economic growth double that figure. This shows the resilience of the Indonesian economy in facing global shocks.
During the pandemic, many countries fell into an economic crisis, but Indonesia managed to keep the inflation rate under control and even strengthened the trade balance. In the midst of a decline in global economic activity, Indonesia’s export sector was able to record a significant surplus, becoming one of the important pillars of economic recovery. A positive trade balance, combined with increased investment, creates a more solid economic foundation. The role of investment in accelerating economic growth is also very significant.
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto stated that Indonesia’s economic growth in the last 10 years has been good, even though the world is in economic uncertainty. He emphasized that under President Jokowi’s leadership, investment realization continues to increase every year.
One of the driving factors is the development of Special Economic Zones (KEK) which are the driving force of the economy in various regions. The SEZ concept was adapted from the success of similar models in countries such as China, which were able to equalize economic growth in various regions.
During President Jokowi’s leadership, the number of SEZs operating in Indonesia increased rapidly, creating new jobs and encouraging accelerated industrialization in various sectors. This makes a major contribution to increasing Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and community welfare, especially in areas that were previously less developed.
One other significant achievement is the reduction in poverty rates, including extreme poverty. Even though it had increased due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Indonesia’s poverty rate has decreased again in a relatively short time. In fact, the number of people living in conditions of extreme poverty has almost reached zero percent. The People’s Business Credit (KUR) distribution policy promoted by President Jokowi’s government also plays a major role in encouraging economic growth at the grassroots level, helping people to become more economically independent.
This success shows the strong commitment of President Jokowi’s government to eradicating poverty and improving community welfare. Poverty reduction is not only seen as an economic achievement, but also as clear evidence of inclusive policies that place the interests of the poor as the main priority. President Jokowi’s success in navigating the Indonesian economy cannot be separated from his strategic role in geopolitics.
According to Professional Staff for International Relations and Diplomacy at the Indonesian National Resilience Institute (Lemhanas), Edy Prasetyono, for 10 years President Jokowi has fought for national interests through his geopolitical strategy which focuses on economic growth. One of the keys to this strategy is maintaining regional stability through regional dialogue and cooperation. Indonesia under President Jokowi has not only strengthened relations with neighboring countries, but also with global powers such as the United States, Russia and China.
By maintaining political stability and regional security, President Jokowi succeeded in creating conditions conducive to economic growth. President Jokowi’s balanced diplomatic approach allows Indonesia to play an active role in various international forums, fighting for national interests in a dynamic geopolitical constellation. This creates greater opportunities for Indonesia to attract foreign investment and expand export markets.
Meanwhile, a report from LSI Denny JA shows that President Jokowi has succeeded in building a strong economic foundation for the future. The indicators used include increasing GDP, economic freedom, and social progress. Data from the World Bank shows that Indonesia’s GDP has increased significantly from US$ 891 billion in 2014 to US$ 1.4 trillion in 2023. This is an extraordinary achievement and shows that Indonesia is on the right track towards middle-income country status. to the top.
Apart from that, Indonesia’s economic freedom index has also increased, from 100th in 2014 to 53rd in 2023 according to The Heritage Foundation. This reflects progress in structural reforms carried out by President Jokowi’s government, which aims to create a more conducive business climate and increase Indonesia’s economic competitiveness on the global stage.
Progress is also visible in the social progress index, which includes access to education, health and overall quality of life. With the score increasing from 61.65 in 2014 to 67.22 in 2023, it is clear that President Jokowi’s government is not only focused on economic growth, but also on inclusive human development.
A decade of President Joko Widodo’s leadership has left a strong imprint on Indonesia’s economic growth. In the midst of global uncertainty, President Jokowi has succeeded in guiding the Indonesian economy towards stable and sustainable growth. Through measurable policies, Indonesia has not only managed to emerge from the pandemic crisis, but also strengthened its economic foundations for the future.
With this achievement, President Jokowi has left a solid foundation for the next generation of leaders, including president-elect Prabowo Subianto, who is expected to continue the policy direction he has initiated. President Jokowi has shown that with visionary leadership and the right policies, Indonesia is capable of becoming a formidable economic power on the global stage.
)* The author is a West Java Trigger Contributor
