"We still have a chance. Moreover, the economy grew by 4.92 percent in the first quarter of 2016, higher than 4.73 percent in the same quarter of 2015," Central Statistics Agency (BPS) Chief Suryamin said.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Indonesia will be able to achieve the economic growth target of 5.3 percent set for this year despite the first-quarter growth of 4.92 percent, Central Statistics Agency (BPS) Chief Suryamin has said.

"We still have a chance. Moreover, the economy grew by 4.92 percent in the first quarter of 2016, higher than 4.73 percent in the same quarter of 2015," he said here on Wednesday.

He believed the economy still has a chance to grow at a faster pace as the construction and agricultural sectors will contribute more to the national economy during the remaining three quarters.

"The agricultural sector still has a chance to grow as the harvest season was still continuing in the second quarter. Meanwhile, government capital expenditure on infrastructure will be able to support investment in the three remaining quarters," he said.

He expressed optimism that the national economy will grow according to its potentials, provided that the government can use the existing momentum to issue proper policies and strategies in support of the real and service sectors performance.

BPS Deputy Chief for Balance Sheet and Statistic Analysis Suhariyanto, meanwhile, said slow household consumption in the first quarter of 2016 will also have a chance to contribute to the national economy in 2016.

Household consumption is slowing down this year as a result of the sluggish global economy, he said.

"Inflation rates almost in all countries were low due to low demand. Normally, household consumption will increase in the fasting month and subsequent festivities called Lebaran in the second and third quarters this year," he said.

However, exports and imports which grew negatively in the first quarter, will still remain contracted due to the economic slowdown in export destinations, declining commodity prices, weak domestic demand and rupiahs depreciation.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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