Jokowi: Economy Remains a Problem

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - During a luncheon with a number of Indonesian rectors held at the State Palace today, President Joko Widodo spoke about the various problems the country must face and overcome in a bid to create a better future for the people.

Twenty-three university rectors were invited, including the University of Indonesia's Muhammad Anis, Syarif Hidayatullah State Islamic University rector Dede Rosyada, Gajah Mada University's Dwikorita Karnawati and Padjajaran University rector Tri Hanggoro Achmad.

President Widodo said that political, security and stability issues can be solved quickly, but "as for the economy, it is still a problem to us all," the president said Thursday, September 10.

In the get-together, Widodo gave a presentation comparing Indonesia's economic growths from 1998, 2008 and 2015. In details, he explained how Indonesia's economic growth rate is affected by external and internal factors. He then listened to the rectors' inputs and views.

The president's communications team member Ari Dwipayana said the luncheon was held to enable the president to interact with scholars about the economic and political situations in Indonesia.

Saying that the lunch is done regularly Ari said that the president "wants to hear the perspectives of various groups on the current national issues."

Ari said that the president also asked the rectors about the development of the national education.  

REZA ADITYA