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Businesses eye expansion as govt ends COVID-19 emergency
Indonesian businesses have lauded the government’s recent decision to end the national COVID-19 state of emergency, saying the move will expedite the economic recovery from the pandemic, but some experts predict little change, noting that most of the economically significant restrictions were relaxed months ago.
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President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo (second right) symbolically delivers assistance to vendors as he visits Pasar Minggu Market in South Jakarta on April 13, 2023, ahead of Idul Fitri. (Antara/Hafidz Mubarak A)
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ndonesian businesses have lauded the government’s decision to end the national COVID-19 state of emergency, saying the move will expedite the economic recovery from the pandemic, but some experts predict little change, noting that most of the economically significant restrictions were relaxed months ago.
Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) chairman Arsjad Rasjid told The Jakarta Post on Thursday that the decision would encourage many businesses to expand further, which would boost the economy as a whole.
The tourism, accommodation and food and beverage industries stood to benefit the most from the decision, Arsjad said, noting that foreign and domestic tourists were now able to travel freely in the country.
“[COVID-19’s new endemic status] is an opportunity for the business sector to optimize the Indonesian economy, increase competitiveness and scale up [micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs)]. This will make the country the right destination for global investors,” Arsjad said.
Shinta Widjaja Kamdani, the newly appointed chair of the Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo), said on Thursday that the decision would stimulate mobility and lead to increased domestic consumption.
It would benefit the financial sector as well, she added, as investors would view the policy change positively.
Read also: BREAKING: Jokowi lifts COVID-19 emergency status
