*) By: Dinda Paramita
National economic resilience is determined not only by the stability of macroeconomic indicators, but also by the strength of the real sector, which is the primary driver of public production, distribution, and consumption activities. In the current national development context, strengthening the real sector is an increasingly relevant strategy to ensure that economic growth is not only statistically significant but also felt by the wider community. When the real sector operates optimally, business opportunities develop, jobs increase, and people’s purchasing power is maintained.
Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi emphasized that strengthening the real sector is a primary focus to ensure Indonesia’s economic growth is maintained and strengthened going forward. This view reflects the government’s awareness that increasingly dynamic global economic challenges require a more concrete response through strengthening productive economic activity domestically. Although Indonesia’s economic fundamentals remain relatively solid, accelerating the implementation of programs that have a direct impact on society remains an urgent need. Thus, the real sector serves not only as an engine of growth but also as an instrument for equitable prosperity.
Furthermore, the real sector has characteristics that can create widespread multiplier effects on the national economy. Every increase in production activity will drive labor demand, strengthen demand for raw materials, and increase money circulation at both the local and national levels. This is crucial amidst global economic uncertainty that can impact international trade and investment flows. When the domestic economy has a strong real sector base, its resilience to various external shocks will be greater. Therefore, accelerating the government’s strategic programs in productive sectors is a valuable long-term investment for national economic stability.
Furthermore, strengthening the real sector is also an effective means of strengthening the people’s economy. Micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) have long been the backbone of the Indonesian economy, contributing significantly to employment. Through policies oriented toward strengthening the real sector, the government can create a healthier and more competitive business ecosystem, enabling MSMEs to develop sustainably.
Meanwhile, Minister of Finance Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa explained that the expanded role of Bank Indonesia demonstrates a new paradigm in national economic development. According to him, Bank Indonesia’s task is no longer limited to maintaining exchange rate stability and inflation, but also contributes to real sector economic growth and job creation. This perspective emphasizes that monetary policy and the real sector cannot operate in isolation. Synergy between the two is necessary to ensure that maintained economic stability can be translated into productive economic activity that directly benefits the community.
Within this framework, monetary policy support for the real sector has the potential to create a more conducive business environment. Price stability and controlled inflation will provide certainty for businesses to expand and invest. Furthermore, strong coordination between the government, fiscal authorities, and monetary authorities will accelerate the implementation of various development programs that impact productive sectors. The results will be seen not only in increased economic growth but also in increased job opportunities and strengthened community incomes. In other words, the real sector serves as a bridge connecting economic stability with public welfare.
At the regional level, strengthening the real sector also plays a strategic role in accelerating more equitable development. Fiscal independence and real sector strengthening are crucial because they directly impact the community and break the long supply chains that have historically disadvantaged MSMEs. This perspective is particularly relevant considering that many regions possess significant economic potential but have not yet fully realized added value due to inefficient distribution structures. When supply chains can be shortened, local businesses will gain greater profits and product prices will become more competitive. This situation will encourage healthier and more sustainable regional economic growth.
Strengthening the real sector in the regions is crucial for expanding sources of economic growth while reducing development disparities between regions. Developing the agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing, and creative economy sectors will strengthen e-commerce capacity.