We Accept, but Never Disturb Indonesia’s Economic Growth

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan stated that he received input from the Special Envoy of the President of the United States for Climate John Kerry in the middle of the World Economic Forum (WEF) event in Davos, Switzerland.

Even though he did not explain in detail what Kerry conveyed, Luhut said his party was open to this input. However, he stressed, not to disrupt the Indonesian economy.

“I also want to tell a little about the results of discussions with colleagues from the United States, John Kerry yesterday morning. They conveyed some input, then I replied that we are open to all suggestions and suggestions from colleagues and friends, we are happy to receive input,” he said in video uploaded on Instagram @luhut.pandjaitan, Friday (20/1/2023).

Also read: Luhut Says, RI Will Not Import Fossil Fuels Starting in 2045

“However, one thing you must pay attention to, is never to interfere Indonesian economic growth. Creating broad job opportunities for the Indonesian people is absolute and I’m sure other ASEAN countries also share the same opinion,” he continued.

Luhut Indonesia currently holds the leadership of ASEAN and carries the theme “ASEAN Matters: Epicentrum of Growth”, which is in line with Indonesia’s achievements in holding the G20 Presidency in 2022.

Even though the situation in Ukraine is still uncertain, said Luhut, Indonesia with a population of 282 million people can still overcome the global economic turmoil. This is evidenced by economic growth of 5.3 percent and exports worth US$293 billion last year, bigger than in 2021 which was only US$232 billion.

“Not to mention the US$71 billion bilateral investment commitment that Indonesia received from the 2022 G20 Summit, further increasing trust both from within the country and the international world. Although several ASEAN member countries have their own national interests, we also encourage cohesiveness and solidarity among ASEAN countries, even though this is not easy. However, this is the real challenge,” said Luhut.

Like the holding of the 2022 G20 Summit in Bali in November last year. At first, continued Luhut, many were pessimistic about the implementation and results. Breaking the pessimistic perception, Indonesia managed to turn it into success.

“If the G20 Summit can be held successfully and won praise from all countries, then the 2023 ASEAN Summit can also repeat the same success,” he concluded.

Also read: RI Always Gets Praise at WEF 2023 Davos, Luhut Keeps Alerting the Russia-Ukraine War Has Not Ended

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