Economic stimulus for businesses should be industry-specific, as the COVID-19 pandemic has had differing impacts on different sectors, Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) Deputy Chief for National Business Development Arsjad Rasjid stated.
"The impact (of the pandemic) on each industry is different. Hence, the economic stimulus would also differ. This will necessitate collaboration with the (business) association that is directly related to the industry's problem," Rasjid noted.
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the landscape of the country's industry, Rasjid remarked.
"The pandemic has changed our industry landscape. Almost 30 million workers in Indonesia are impacted by the pandemic," he pointed out.
The impact on each industry differs, with some contracting with the declining demand, such as the transportation and accommodation sector, trade and manufacturing.
"Apart from that, essential industries, such as health and agriculture, have shown significant growth in 2020. The growth in the agriculture sector was supported by increased production, especially of food and horticulture products," he remarked.
Rasjid noted that KADIN had consistently taken into account the aspirations of industries and had held dialog several times to formulate recommendations for the government's policy and ideal stimulus.
KADIN will play a more active role in assisting businesses to cope with the challenges.
"KADIN must play a significant role, as the government's partner in the national economic recovery program," he remarked.
