Oleh : desk informasi
The event was filled with over a hundred financial analysts and also played live-stream.
Also attending the event was Singaporean Information and Communication Minister, Mr. Yacoob Ibrahim, Managing Directors for Asia, Thompson Reuters David Becker, Alfred Lee, Deputy Global Managing Editor Dayan Candappa and Bureau Chief Jason Szep
In his opening remarks SBY updated the financial market journalists with the situation in Indonesia, not only it progress but especially its hold-ups to which he and his administration was determined to resolve in the next two years before the end of his Presidency.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I wish to convey to you that Indonesia is "khas" and unique" SBY stated.
In Indonesia, he said there are many views, pros and cons to globalization and open markets.
"Thus as a leader I must reflect these views in my decisions and policies. And frankly, I choose a third path. The middle way out" SBY reiterated
"We don't need to be disturbed by the polar views. What's important is our economy grows. What's important is our people are more prosperous. I all underline this to all, to Indonesians so that we'd be freed from such ideological thinking that is awkward and dogmatic. Let us all discover the policies strategies that will bring economic growth, bring down unemployment, reduce poverty and ultimately make Indonesians more prosperous" SBY envisioned
During the G20 summits in 2008-2009, SBY conveyed to world leaders that Indonesia need not be tied down by models of classic economics. Instead Indonesia utilized its own specificity and uniqueness to escape the global crisis.
Stimulus was injected not only to balance the crisis but also to promote social protection and empower the poor, protecting the real markets. SBY also reminded that Indonesia's strategy was pro growth, pro jobs, pro poor and pro environment to maintain twin goals of economic growth and resilience.
SBY also stated that Indonesia is still facing various challenges, being very politically dynamics, abroad and domestically, and very outspoken if not cynical media. He reminded that much more needed to be done.
"Is everything in Indonesia all rosy? Its not! But we will continue our hardwork" SBY stated
"I will continue my hard work and hand-over our achievements to the next President" SBY concluded.
The news-event was a rare opportunity for financial markets journalist to raise key concerns on foreign investment
After the brief introduction, some six questions were conveyed to the President, such as Indonesia's view on the global and regional crises, including the role of China and US; the issue of BBM or Indonesian fuel subsidies; the quest to combat corruption; the matter of changing finance ministers; the issue of foreign investors into Indonesia; about infrastructure development and connectivity; foreign investors in mining industry; SBYs financial legacy; and his hopes for a successor.
On the matter of the economic outlook, SBY viewed the continued that Indonesia would maintain its policies, to empower consumption, encourage private public partnership and continue with the steadily growing trade and investment levels.
On the issue of changing finance Ministers over the past few years, SBY stated that Sri Mulyani was offered an opportunity to work in a politically important post in World Bank. Whereas Agus Martowardoyo has been entrusted as Central Bank Governor, a very important post. The role of Hatta Rajasa as Ad-Interim Finance Minister filled the post while awaiting for the next Finance Minister, but SBY underlined that the economic ministers worked as a team to address the various economic issues, not only balance the budget but also induce foreign investment, job creation. And every economic minister had a responsibility to mutually support and pursue these goals.
On the matter of some company applications, such as DBS, President SBY stated that the Central Bank was resolving the matter and that he would convey the inquiry to the Central Bank Governor.
On the issue of infrastructure and connectivity, SBY stated that enhancing national connectivity was a good opportunity for more investments and growth. Indonesia's connectivity would greatly facilitate and complement ASEAN connectivity.
On the views toward US and China, SBY stated that the two giants were important for the regional economic growth and hence need not clash, but instead could all be part of the solution, especially in the East Asia Summit.
On the matter of fuel subsidies,SBY reminded that he as President he had raised the fuel prices several times and reduced it several times.
But more importantly, he reminded that although a balanced budget is important, and Indonesia was still in "the safe zone", it was crucial not to eliminate subsidies at the expense of the poor.
On the matter of investors in Indonesian mining industry, President SBY stated that currently multi-national companies were making a great amount of profit if they were only entering and extracting and exporting such minerals. Sometimes the people want more from such availability of natural resources, and hence MNC's should see the policies that encourage industrialization of the mining industry, technology transfer and value added.
On the matter of combating corruption, SBY stated that he viewed the indicators were better today than it was in the past, bearing in mind today's corruption monitoring was the most aggressive.
"I have a belief, I have a conviction, maby if it took Hongkong thirteen years, maby it will take Indonesia 20-25 years. Maby we will be cleaner. Our country will be freed from corruption. And corruption will not be a rule but an exception. And once it becomes less present, the country will grow its economy further beyond 7%" SBY stated
He also shared an Indonesian conviction to eradicate corruption.
"Indonesia is willing to resolve corruption. We work night and day. Believe me when I say, I'm frustrated, I'm annoyed, I'm angry why can't this be resolved. But still this is my responsibility. No doubt addressing corruption is not only for the Executive branch, but also the Judiciary, Legislative, all parties, stakeholders. So too is it the responsibility of the business world. We must avoid colusion, we must avoid acts of bribery between the government and the business. That is poison to us. So in my opinion, the government will do its utmost. We will be the frontline in upholding law and enforcement and I seek your cooperation. I seek the participation of partners and other friendly governments to help Indonesia to make the system more cleaner. I believe that maby 10-15 years today, Indonesia with where it is today, we will be even better. Our corruption will be lesser" SBY stated
On the future of Indonesia's presidency, SBY stated that his party convention will submit names, and so too with other candidates, that will bring the countries growth beyond 2014. Hence the people will chose their next President with a set of positive criteria they will expect for their next candidate
SBY hoped the next leader will continue the positive momentum; he will help resolve my pending issued in combating corruption and further improving governance; and finally will have an international outlook for better relations with other states and partners.
"The next leader would be an outward looking person, he is international views, friendly to other countries. He loves his people but also a friendly outlook with friendly leaders" SBY concluded.
The audience clapped their hands for an inspiring dialog with SBY as they watched the Indonesia leader leave the jam-packed studio.
The discussions were watched on livestream and positive comments came in from many countries, including Germany. (aos) (http://www.setkab.go.id/international-8387-sby-finance-hard-talk-thompson-reuters.html)
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