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JAKARTA: With an aim to achieve a target of 7 per cent economic growth by 2014, Indonesidan President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has pledged to continue pushing for reforms to bring in the much-needed investment into the country.
President Yudhoyono mapped out his new administration's five-year plan at a National Summit in Jakarta. It was the single biggest gathering of Indonesia's 1400 stakeholders - comprising ministers, governors, regents, business leaders, NGO activists and media.
The Indonesian leader also wants to reduce poverty by about half and bring down unemployment to a manageable 5-6 per cent.
He said the key to achieving those targets is to attract more investment into the country.
The country needs some Rp200 trillion (US$200 million) of investments a year to achieve its 7 per cent growth target, and the president is determined to push for reforms and remove bottlenecks in his last term in office.
"I will have a system that monitors 24 hours - a presidential working unit. It will overcome the hindrances - whether it is the law, regulations or people. We will introduce new laws if need be, improve regulations and remove persons to make sure things get moving," said President Yudhoyono.
He also pointed out that Indonesia must be ready if it is to benefit from the ASEAN Community in 2015.
"It is almost certain that there will be economic interaction and integration, trade and investment. Remember - 2015. If we are not ready and do not develop our own country, we might not benefit at all," he added.
Over the next two days, top Indonesian leaders will debate, accept and execute the government's five-year plan.
The National Summit could not have come at a better time for Indonesia, which has seen steady growth over the last couple of years despite the global economic crisis.
However, it is no secret that its growth could have been higher if its investment climate had been more conducive.
- CNA/sc
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