Indonesian Govt to Create More Opportunities to Achieve Growth Target: VP Kalla

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - The government is optimistic that the targeted economic growth would be achieved by opening more economic opportunities and increasing the budget, Vice President M. Jusuf Kalla stated here on Thursday.

"We will try to increase the budget in the next quarter and also to open more economic opportunities. The market is indeed weakening now," he noted after attending the confirmation of the board of the Association of District Governments (Apkasi).

According to the Central Bureau of Statistics, Indonesias economy grew by 4.92 percent in the first quarter this year, which is below the governments target of 5.3 percent.

Suryamin, the agencys head, believes that the projected growth of 5.3 percent by the end of the year can still be achieved.

"We think the opportunity is still open as the start has been good at 4.49 percent. This is still better than 4.73 percent recorded in the same period last year," he pointed out.

He explained that the economy can continue to grow at a better rate in the next period as the construction and agricultural sectors can still be significant contributors to the nations economy.

Suryamin said his office was optimistic that the nations economy would continue to grow in line with its potential, on the condition that the government can capitalize on the existing momentum by formulating conducive policies and strategies to boost the real and service sectors. (WDY)