The pace of Indonesia's economy cannot be separated from the harmonization between the government and entrepreneurs through the business sectors they are engaged in. Therefore, entrepreneurs are expected not only to focus on their main sectors that are considered profitable for themselves but also to share opportunities to enhance national economic growth.
"Indeed, the government implements policies, but the government survives on entrepreneurs. Without entrepreneurs paying taxes, how can the government function?" said Vice President Jusuf Kalla when opening the Economic Dialogue and Iftar Gathering with the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) at the Cendrawasih Room, Jakarta Convention Center, Senayan, Jakarta, on Tuesday (28/6/2016).
According to the Vice President, the enactment of the Tax Amnesty Law that day was proof of the government's concern in opening up even greater business opportunities. This is expected to boost economic growth, which has started to slow down.
According to a World Bank report, Indonesia’s economic growth in 2016 was projected to reach 5.1 percent. Indonesia was predicted to continue growing despite the global economy moving sluggishly. Household consumption and government spending were expected to support Indonesia’s growth in 2016.
Kalla acknowledged that the national economy had been experiencing unfavorable conditions in recent months. While commodity prices were still declining, food prices were trending upward. The triggered increase in expenses had an adverse impact, namely a decline in state revenue from tax components.
For this reason, the Vice President urged entrepreneurs to work together with the government to address the country’s current problems. "You are the ones who must solve this issue with an entrepreneurial mindset," he emphasized.
The Vice President stated that the government, together with Bank Indonesia (BI) and the Financial Services Authority (OJK), had agreed to ease the burden on entrepreneurs by making the banking system more efficient. This included lowering credit interest rates to be more competitive with other Asian countries. This effort aimed to enhance the productivity of the real sector.
At the end of his speech, the Vice President expressed his appreciation for the good cooperation and hard work between the government and entrepreneurs in achieving the nation's future aspirations within the framework of collaboration.
"The government always wants to support and cooperate with entrepreneurs. Likewise, entrepreneurs certainly want a good, fair government that provides the best regulations for all of us to progress," the Vice President concluded.
Previously, Kadin Chairman Rosan Roslani expressed his appreciation for the government's efforts in providing opportunities for the business sector to be involved in the planning and evaluation of economic and business policies.
Kadin’s involvement in the evaluation process of the 12 Economic Policy Packages issued by the government had received positive responses from the business community. However, according to Rosan, the direction and objectives of the economic policy packages were still unclear and had not been optimally implemented.
Rosan emphasized that synergy between business actors, economic players, and the government was essential in accelerating the wheels of the national economy, especially amid Indonesia’s economic slowdown challenges.
"We hope that this synergy will continue to improve in the future, and Kadin will always provide good input for the benefit of the business sector and, of course, for the welfare of society as a whole," said Rosan.
In addition to being attended by 30 regional Kadin chairpersons, the meeting, themed "Ramadan: Realizing a Healthy and Fair Business World," was also attended by Bank Indonesia Governor Agus Martowardojo, Finance Minister Bambang Brodjonegoro, OJK Board of Commissioners Chairman Muliaman Hadad, and ambassadors from friendly countries. (www.wapresri.go.id)