Athor Subroto, Director of the School of Global Strategic Studies and an economic observer from the University of Indonesia, said that there needs to be a continuation of the program for the elected president, so that the foundation of the future Indonesian economy can be strong. This was conveyed during the Prime Time News event broadcast by Metro TV (24/9).
“There needs to be continuity in development to clarify the direction of development in the new government,” he said.
Athor Subroto further said that the world’s geopolitics and economy are now changing and dynamic. Currently there is very strong pressure from outside. Therefore, the next government needs to be prepared.
“I think we need to look at Jokowi’s 1 decade journey first, providing a clear picture in building the economy,” he explained.
Economic growth is consistently above 5 percent and the economic growth target is achieved at 5.2%. The existence of economic growth at level 5 is an extraordinary economic resilience from President Jokowi to date.
Meanwhile, if we look at the stock market indicators, how the development is now quite positive at 7,778, which continues to approach the psychological level of almost 8,000.
Indonesia’s economic growth is still able to survive, despite the many supply shocks from the global economy.
“Indonesia can still survive and grow compared to other countries, even developed countries like Europe,” he said.
According to Athor, Indonesia has become a country that is developing quite well because of the foundation whose multiplier effect is drawn, such as the downstream program to maintain the economic process that occurs within so that the multiplier is getting bigger.
“Jokowi has such a great spirit to grow the Indonesian economy that is also responded well by the market, like it or not, in fact our numbers continue to improve,” he continued.
Meanwhile, on the same occasion, Political Economy Observer from Bung Karno University, Faisyal Chaniago, said that Jokowi was able to embrace all political competitors in building a cabinet. This could be an example for Prabowo as the president-elect.
“President Jokowi’s government approach can also be emulated by Prabowo, namely with a soft approach, how he embraces all his political competitors so that they are involved in his cabinet,” he said.
The new government must embrace and maintain harmony, so that politics remain stable and there is no chaos. Prabowo must adopt a harmonious political approach.
Furthermore, Faisyal said that we appreciate President Jokowi leading the 10-year program so that everyone can feel it, especially downstreaming and it needs to be supported by the next government, harmonization, this concept can be implemented, where the next government is.
In Prabowo’s new government, it is important that all ministers carry out the President’s instructions. Cabinet members are loyal to the president, not to others.
“The President’s instructions should be carried out by his ministers, many of those who did not carry out the instructions were immediately reprimanded by the president,” he said.
In the highly fluctuating global geopolitics and the Covid-19 shock, Indonesia was able to get through it well under the leadership of President Jokowi.
The concept of downstreaming that has been pioneered by Jokowi, the new government must dare to continue despite opposition. Downstreaming has a very positive economic impact.
“It is certain that the economic growth during President Jokowi’s era can be continued by the Prabowo government. Like increasing the role of BUMN, which must be considered by the next government, such as how to find economic sources not only from one type,” he explained.
Furthermore, the ongoing programs, for example toll road infrastructure, must not stop, because development is not enough for just 10 years, therefore it must be continuous, so it requires a smooth transition so that there is cooperation and synergy.
