World Bank predicts Indonesia`s 2018 economic growth at 5.2 percent

Jakarta (Antaranews Bali) - The World Bank has predicted Indonesia`s economic growth to reach 5.2 percent throughout 2018, which is relatively the same as the government`s projection of 5.14-5.21 percent.

"Economic growth is estimated at 5.2 percent this year and in 2019, and gradually increases to 5.3 percent by 2020," World Bank Director for Indonesia and Timor-Leste Rodrigo A Chaves stated at the launch of the Indonesian Economic Quarterly Report in Jakarta on Thursday.

According to the World Bank, stronger domestic demand in Indonesia is expected to continue to be a driver of economic growth.

Meanwhile, private consumption is predicted to continue due to stable inflation, a strong labor market, and also a decline in loan interest rates.

Government spending is also projected to strengthen where revenue growth provides space, both for fiscal consolidation and additional spending.

"For investment growth, it is expected to remain strong in line with the post-election uncertainty," Chaves remarked.

In terms of inflation, the World Bank estimated that inflation in Indonesia will reach 3.4 percent in 2018 and 3.7 percent in 2019. For the current account balance, it is predicted to experience a deficit of 2.4 percent of GDP in 2018 and a 2.3 percent deficit next year.

While in terms of the government budget deficit, the World Bank has predicted the budget deficit to reach 2.1 percent this year and 1.8 percent in 2019.

The World Bank`s projections have taken into account the ongoing normalization of US monetary policy and also the impact of volatility in developing countries.

According to the World Bank, despite increasing global uncertainty, the outlook for the Indonesian economy continues to be positive. This is evidenced by stronger private and government consumption, which lifted Indonesia`s real GDP growth to 5.3 percent in the second quarter.

"The Indonesian government`s commitment to stability and the firm and coordinated policy actions, as well as strong macroeconomic fundamentals, have increased Indonesia`s resilience amid rising global uncertainty," Chaves pointed out. (WDY)