IMF-World Bank Meeting To Be Held In Bali

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - Indonesia's senior minister Luhut Panjaitan stated here on Wednesday that the venue of the planned annual meeting of International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank would be in Bali next year.

"It will still (be in Bali). There has not been any change in schedule," he said, following the latest condition of Mount Agung, which spewed thick smoke of up to 700 meters high, on Tuesday.

Panjaitan stated that the condition of Mount Agung has been improving, and many people who had fled for fear of the mountain's eruption, have returned to their homes.

"I think the situation has been improving. Yesterday, it rained very hard, and the water that fell on the lava resulted in smoke coming out with a loud noise," Panjaitan, who has been assigned to be the organizing committee chairman of the meeting, revealed.

He, however, called on the people to remain alert and not to worry about the situation.

The annual IMF - World Bank meeting is scheduled to be held from Oct 12 to 14, 2018, preceded by a number of other agendas, including seminars and other meetings, to discuss world economic development.

The meeting will not only be attended by finance ministers and central bank governors from 189 countries but also by company executives, rich businessmen, and international financial institutions.

The acting director of IMF, Christine Lagarde, revealed that Indonesia would be the center of attention of the world when it plays host to the meeting next year.

Indonesia could get an added value from the great event, as it could boost economic activities.

"This will increase business as people will stay at hotels, eat at restaurants, and spend more money. There will be gains from the annual meeting," she pointed out. (WDY)