REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, BOGOR -- It is pointless for us to discuss economic growth without even distribution and equitable development across all regions in the country, according to President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo.

While giving directives to the district heads from all provinces in Java and Maluku islands at the Bogor Palace in West Java on Friday, the president remarked that the efforts to promote economic growth must be accompanied by efforts to ensure equitable development.

"The important thing is that even distribution and equitable development must be enjoyed by all levels of the community across the country and not just by a certain elite group of people," President Jokowi noted.

He affirmed that it would be baseless to speak about economic growth and development if they were not enjoyed by the lower strata of the community.

In an effort to reduce unemployment and poverty, the head of state emphasized that the efforts to promote economic growth should continue.

"This year, the economic growth is only 5.1 percent. If we want to reduce poverty and unemployment, there is no way besides encouraging economic growth to rise, rise, and rise," Jokowi remarked.

The president made the statements during the coordination meeting with the district heads from Java and Maluku. The meeting was also attended by Vice President Jusuf Kalla, the governors from all provinces on Java Island, and several ministers, including Home Affairs Minister Tjahjo Kumolo, Environment and Forestry Minister Siti Nurbaya, Agriculture Minister Amran Sulaiman, and Deputy Finance Minister Mardiasmo.

President Jokowi stated that with various efforts, the economic growth in Indonesia is expected to reach 7 percent in the next three years.

"The global condition influences the growth of our economy, but with good cooperation, we can overcome it," the president added.

Ikuti Whatsapp Channel Republika