Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), Arsjad Rasjid, is optimistic that Indonesia under the leadership of president-elect Prabowo Subianto can achieve 8 per cent economic growth and become a developed country.

This optimism is based on the fact that Indonesia has economic potential, both human and natural resources that can be optimally utilised for economic growth.

"It is not easy to boost economic growth by 8% in today's world. However, we must be optimistic that the target can be achieved. We must support the elected government. Because if the elected president is successful, this nation will also be successful,’ said Arsjad in his conversation with Rhenald Kasali recently.

Arsjad emphasised that to achieve 8% economic growth, first of all, there needs to be a clear, firm, and attractive policy towards Indonesia's natural resources. This will encourage investors to invest in Indonesia. This is because the Indonesian state budget will only be able to finance 3.5 - 4 per cent of the funding needs for economic growth.

"Of course, the expected policy is a market-orientated policy. Without that, the economic policy will not be effective,’ he added.

In addition to policies, there needs to be alignment between the centre, provinces, and regencies/cities. This is important so that investors who come to Indonesia are not deterred, because they are dealing with different policies from one region to another.

The Kadin Chairman for the 2021 to 2026 period also paid attention to the demographic bonus that Indonesia currently has. According to him, the demographic bonus can be a blessing, or vice versa. In order for the demographic bonus to be a blessing, there needs to be comprehensive steps related to providing jobs, sharpening skills according to what the business world needs, and exporting skills.

"With skilled workers, Indonesia can become a source of labour in answering the talent shortage that occurs in several regions in the world.Vocational schools are important to answer this challenge,’ he said.Arsjad added that MSMEs are also a driver of Indonesia's economic growth.So far, MSMEs have contributed greatly to Indonesia's GDP, created jobs, and played a role in post-pandemic economic recovery.

"The 8% economic growth inevitably has to collaborate with MSMEs, which are the backbone of the Indonesian economy.
One of them is by encouraging MSMEs to upgrade,’ he added.

As is known, as an institution that partners with the government, Kadin Indonesia always fully supports the elected government to encourage economic growth.

Kadin is preparing a white paper containing business input and recommendations for the new government and opens the door to working with the government as a partner in national economic development.