Ministry of Finance of Republic of Indonesia : Government Focusing on Equality in 2017

Jakarta, 04/01/2016 MoF - Today (04/01), President Joko Widodo, Vice President Jusuf Kalla and Working Cabinet are discussing government agenda for 2017 at Presidential Palace Bogor. At the meeting, the President stressed the equality to be government's focus this year.

'I want to say that we are now focusing on equality matters. Although our gini ratio slightly improved, yet the figure remains high,' the President said.

Therefore, the President instructed all ranks to work hard in reducing inequality. Some measures to be made among other, first, formulating redistribution assets and land legalization policy. He hoped, the policy could be implemented massively.

'It is important as our people should have access to land (matters). Thus, all business related to concession for the people, indigenous lands, land certificate, have to be our focus to address this year,' he said.

Second, the government will strengthen access to capital for the community, which is believed to increase public competitiveness and financial inclusion. 'I ask that programs to strengthen people's access to capital are increased. KUR (Kredit Usaha Rakyat/People Business Credit) must reach more and more people, with the greater amount, and the easier process. It is also completed with insurance so that we can encourage inclusive finance and people are increasingly bankable,' he added.

Next, government will enhance skill program for people through education and vocational training programs. 'I saw yesterday that Ministry of Manpower has been working with the Chamber of Commerce. The more ministries involved, coordinated by the Coordinating Minister, I think the access of the people to get this skill will be thousands or even millions,' said President.

In addition, the government continues its effort to provide access to education for the people. Related this matter, the President demanded, the Indonesia Smart Card will distributed to the people who have not been reached by the policy. 'Last night I called the Minister of Education and Culture, Indonesia Smart Card is given to all the orphans in our country. We will start it soon,' he said.

Ending his speech, the president ordered that the development mental and character of the nation is continued, given the increasing concern of the world community against terrorism and radicalism today. The President believed, the state ideology Pancasila is able to answer these challenges and concerns.

In the restricted meeting, I decided to establish working unit of strengthening Pancasila ideology. We want these values to be realized in mindset, mental attitude, lifestyle, and behaviour,' he concluded. (nv/rsa)