Jakarta – The achievements of President Joko Widodo’s government over the past 10 years have received appreciation from various groups, including economic and political observers. Experts assess that despite facing global challenges, President Jokowi has succeeded in bringing Indonesia to continue growing and surviving in a dynamic economic condition. This is an important foundation for the next government under the leadership of Prabowo Subianto to continue the strategic programs that have been running.
Director of the School of Global Strategic Studies and Economic Observer of the University of Indonesia (UI), Athor Subroto, stated that the current global economic challenges are very complex, with rapidly changing geopolitical dynamics. However, according to him, Indonesia’s economic resilience under President Jokowi’s leadership deserves to be appreciated. “Having economic growth at the level of 5 percent is an extraordinary achievement amidst the disruption of the global supply chain. Indonesia can still survive and grow better than developed countries such as Europe,” said Athor.
Athor also emphasized that the downstream program run by President Jokowi has succeeded in creating a multiplier effect for the domestic economy. “The foundation of downstreaming is able to maintain the economic process occurring domestically so that the multiplier effect is greater. If this is continued with the right strategy, especially in the energy sector, the Indonesian economy will be stronger and can achieve 8 percent growth,” he explained.
In addition, the stock market that continues to approach the psychological level of 8000 also reflects market confidence in the economic policies of President Jokowi’s government. Athor added that the incoming government must immediately realize various programs that have been planned to bring benefits to the community. “The commitment to a smooth transition from President Jokowi to President-elect Prabowo is a good thing. With a smooth transition, the incoming government can immediately achieve quick wins in various sectors,” he said.
On the other hand, Bung Karno University Political Economy Observer, Faisyal Chaniago, assessed that one of President Jokowi’s approaches that should be emulated by President-elect Prabowo Subianto is the political harmonization strategy. “President Jokowi’s soft approach that embraces all political competitors and maintains political stability has been very effective. This must be continued by the Prabowo-Gibran government so that there is no political unrest that disrupts the progress of development,” said Faisyal.
Faisyal also appreciated President Jokowi’s firm steps in carrying out his instructions. According to him, President Jokowi always ensures that his ministers carry out the directions that have been given. “The fluctuating global geopolitics and the Covid-19 pandemic have been successfully navigated by President Jokowi’s government. He also dared to implement the downstreaming concept despite opposition,” explained Faisyal.
Meanwhile, during this government transition period, both observers agree that the public needs to continue to monitor and support the sustainability of existing programs. According to Faisyal, infrastructure programs such as toll road construction must continue, because development is not enough for just 10 years. “It is important for the Prabowo-Gibran government to continue this infrastructure program, because it requires continuity supported by a smooth transition and good synergy between the old and new cabinets,” he added.
Ultimately, President Jokowi’s message to his staff to support Prabowo’s cabinet is an important signal to the market that this transition will be successful. Athor emphasized that the success of this transition will make Indonesia more advanced. “President Jokowi has provided a strong foundation, and if Prabowo’s leadership can continue it, we will not retreat, but instead advance and catch up,” he concluded.
Through synergy between the old and new governments, the public is expected to continue to support the sustainability program that will be implemented by Prabowo Subianto and Gibran Rakabuming Raka, in order to achieve a more prosperous and competitive Indonesia on the global stage.