Indonesia, as some other democratic countries, has recently experienced a decline in economic growth. Strangely, the decline does not happen in countries that do not adhere to the principles of democracy. The economic problems of a country in the eyes of former Vice President Jusuf Kalla (JK) is caused by many factors, such as politics and policy taken by the government. "If the economic problem arises, of course, the government has to get involved in resolving it. Although in practice, public and private roles remain,” Kalla said when speaking about "The study of Indonesian Economy: Macro, Fiscal, and Micro Perspectives" at the Hyatt Hotel on Thursday (23/9).
In the event related to Lustrum XI of Faculty of Economics and Business, UGM, Jusuf Kalla said that at the time a country was facing economic problems, the role of government should be larger to solve them. However, in practice, there should be proportion between the role of society and the private sector.
On the occasion, Jusuf Kalla expects that UGM through the academic community and alumni who are spread across various agencies would continue to take part and contribute. "55 years is not a young age, It is expected that Faculty of Economic and Business UGM and alumni play a role for the nation," he hoped.
According to Jusuf Kalla, managing a nation, including managing crucial issues, is really like managing a company or household. Some of the causes of economic problems in Indonesia, among others, are related to capital cost (investment-related capital costs), infrastructure development, and policy taken by the government by engaging the combination between science and experience. "About fundamental policy issue, for example, we are wrong on energy policy, because we have to import the energy," he said.
In the meantime, another speaker, Deputy Governor of Bank Indonesia, Budi Rohadi in the talk show, said the global economic recovery process is still ongoing despite the fears for economic slowdown. The Indonesian economy, he argues, shows progress that in general has continued to improve such as the indication of domestic economic growth that is increasing, the stability of financial systems maintained, and increased inflationary pressures. “The current BI Rate Level is considered still sufficient to keep inflation expectations in the future by staying alert to the rising of inflationary pressures. In addition, the Bank of Indonesia also taking steps to tighten liquidity control, especially through the adjustment of Reserves Statutory (GWM), "said Budi.
In addition to the talk show hosted by Anies Baswedan, previously a signing of cooperation (MOU) between Faculty of Economics and Business with BP Migas was conducted, representing Head of BP Migas, R. Priyono, and the Faculty’s Dean, Prof. Marwan Asri, M.B.A. The signing was witnessed by Jusuf Kalla and the Rector of UGM, Prof. Ir. Sudjarwadi, M. Eng, Ph.D. The Cooperation agreement is related to education and research and development in the field of economics and business in the upstream operations of oil and gas.