INDONESIA`S MACRO ECONOMY STRONGER NOW: IMF CHIEF

Jakarta, 19 Dhulqo’dah 1436/3 September 2015 (MINA) – The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has said that Indonesias macro economy is much stronger now than it was 15 years ago.

“The current economic slowdown has taken place not only in Indonesia, but also in other countries, including China,” IMF Managing Director, Christine Lagarde, said after a meeting with the leaders of the House of Representatives (DPR) at the Parliament building here on Wednesday.

The IMF chief met with DPR Deputy Chairman, Taufik Kurniawan, who was accompanied by Commission XI Chairman of the DPR, Fadel Muhammad, and Deputy Chairman of the Houses Budgetary Board, Djoko Udjianto.

Lagarde said the Indonesian government had managed its macro economy well for 15 years during the reforms era and was currently in a much better position than years ago. Antara quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

She also expressed the view that Indonesian women were hard working and could lead the Indonesian economy into a stronger position.

Lagarde said she plans to meet with Indonesian women to get first-hand information on women issues in Indonesia.

Meanwhile, Kurniawan said the IMF had asked for assistance from Indonesia to support the holding the IMF and the World Bank’s annual meeting in Indonesia in 2018.

Indonesia will also host the Asian Games in 2018 and has announced that it will also hold the IMF and World Banks annual meeting in the same year.

According to Kurniawan, numerous businessman and bankers from various countries are expected to visit Indonesia during that year.

“The IMF hopes that the DPR will play an active role in the very important event,” he added.

Kurniawan explained that the DPR will support the Indonesian government in organizing the IMF-World Bank conference, as well as the Asian Games in 2018.  (T/P008/R03)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)