Jakarta. The newly established government under President Prabowo Subianto should focus on bolstering the national manufacturing sector in their 100 days in office, according to an economist.

Yusuf Rendy Manilet, a researcher at the economic think-tank Core, said that a greater focus on the sector could drive the national economy. It will also likely lead to job creation, thus helping the government tackle socio-economic issues such as unemployment and poverty.

“The manufacturing sector is the largest contributor to Indonesia’s gross national product [GDP]. If we want the economy to soar, the government should make the manufacturing sector a priority in their first 100 days in office,” Yusuf said on Tuesday.

“The government needs to integrate policies to drive the manufacturing sector with steps that can boost the economy. So [the country] can feel its impacts gradually,” Yusuf said.

According to Yusuf, the government should evaluate the government’s incentive policies for the manufacturing industry. Indonesia also needs to improve the designs of its local products so it can compete in the global market. Southeast Asia’s largest economy should integrate its national manufacturing industry with the global supply chain to boost competitiveness.

"Investment and the government’s strategy on domestically processing its minerals are important elements that can enable the Indonesian manufacturing sector to play a role in the global supply chain,” Yusuf said.

Prabowo aims to unlock 8 percent economic growth within the first 3 years of presidency.

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