RI's Economic Growth Up to 6.9 Percent 2014

Jakarta, May 28 (Antara) - Finance Minister Chatib Basri predicted Indonesia will have an economic growth at the level of 6.4-6.9 percent in 2014.

"The government is optimistic that the target can be achieved considering the improvement in the world's economy and the growth of Indonesia's industry and trade sectors," said the minister during a meeting with members of the parliament here on Tuesday.

The minister also mentioned about inflation rate which will be at the level of 3.5-5.5 percent next year. He said the government will boost food commodity's production to control food price and implement policies in the energy sector.

"Low inflation rate, in long term, will boost Indonesia's economy to be convergent with other countries' economy in the region. It will make our economy more competitive," said the minister.

Bank Indonesia (BI) has predicted that the national economy in the second quarter of 2013 will grow at a slower pace than projected earlier, and so will the economic growth this year.

The domestic economy expanded 6.02 percent in the first quarter of 2013, down from 6.11 percent a quarter earlier or lower than the central bank`s forecast of 6.2 percent. (*/DWA)