Kadin and Apindo Push for Economic Stability Amid Global Challenges
Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), Anindya Novyan Bakrie, emphasised the importance of economic stability working in tandem with economic growth amid various global challenges. Anindya made the remarks after attending the handover ceremony for the Finance Minister from Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa to Suahasil Nazara at the Ministry of Finance in Jakarta on Tuesday (15/9).
Anindya viewed public trust as the key to safeguarding national economic stability, and welcomed the appointment of Suahasil Nazara as the new Finance Minister.
“Stability can be achieved when there is trust from the public. I am confident that Mr Suahasil has the background and capability to carry out this duty,” Anindya said.
Beyond trust, Anindya highlighted the importance of synergy among members of the Financial System Stability Committee (KSSK). A harmonious relationship within the KSSK, he said, would give the business world room to keep growing.
“If the KSSK is united, I believe the business world can be more stable and find it easier to grow,” he added.
Anindya explained that businesses currently face considerable global pressures, ranging from fluctuating oil prices and geopolitical uncertainty to shifting capital flows. Economic stability, he said, serves as the foundation that enables businesses to adapt to these dynamics.
Although the business community has taken anticipatory steps against potential disruption over the past several months, vigilance must still be raised, especially if uncertainty persists over the long term.
“Businesses always anticipate every potential disruption. But we must remain careful and prepare ourselves should these conditions last longer,” he asserted.
At the same event, Chairwoman of the Indonesian Employers’ Association (Apindo), Shinta Widjaja Kamdani, expressed hope that Finance Minister Suahasil Nazara would maintain the continuity of policies that have worked well so far.
Shinta conveyed several strategic messages, including maintaining fiscal stability while continuing to promote economic growth and job creation. She commended the policy of keeping the fiscal deficit below 3%, but cautioned that the policy should remain pro-growth and pro-employment.
“Existing policies must not end up increasing the cost of doing business. We encourage tax policy to prioritise extensification rather than burdening existing taxpayers,” Shinta said.
Shinta also called for special government attention to incentives for labour-intensive industries and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) so they can remain competitive. In addition, she underscored the need for a clear mechanism for resolving tax refunds, as these have a direct impact on companies’ cash flow.
“Tax refunds are very important for companies to run their operations, especially from a cash flow perspective. We hope this issue can be resolved soon,” Shinta concluded, while affirming Apindo’s readiness to continue coordinating with the Ministry of Finance.