"I just want to say one word: optimism. We should not lose sight of this one word that I told you (optimism)," the president said.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo has called upon the countrys businessmen to maintain their sense of optimism despite the current unfavorable external factors and the rising political tension at home.

"I just want to say one word: optimism. We should not lose sight of this one word that I told you (optimism)," the president said in "Kompas 100 CEO Forum" here on Thursday.

He acknowledged that the Jakarta gubernatorial election has sparked some political tension in the country, although the simultaneous local election in 2017 would involve 101 provinces and districts/cities across Indonesia.

"I want to make it clear to the business sector that the administration has been working normally," Jokowi asserted before 100 leaders of state-run and private companies.

The president has called on businessmen to focus on their business targets and stop worrying about the current political situation.

"We have to move back, focus and concentrate on issues that will be our target," Jokowi added, referring to his meeting with his former rival in 2014 election, Prabowo, on October 31 at the latters ranch, where they took time out riding.

He reiterated that such optimism was supported by a successful tax amnesty program.

The central banks foreign exchange reserves have increased from US$100 billion earlier in the year to US$115 billion currently, due to capital inflow following the implementation of the tax amnesty program.

"Clearly, tax amnesty has run successfully. Actually, in mid-November, I have planned to start promoting the second stage (of the program)," the president disclosed.

International associations have also shared positive perceptions of Indonesia, especially with the success of the tax amnesty program and the issuance of governments 14 policy packages, he noted.

"We have to maintain our sense of optimism despite the current difficult situation. But no matter how difficult it is, there has to be a chance and an opportunity for us," the president concluded.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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