Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Chairman of the National Economic council (DEN), has called for restraint in criticizing government initiatives, notably the newly launched Free Nutritious Meals programme. Speaking at the IDN event on Wednesday (15/1), Luhut emphasized the need for patience and careful observation before forming judgments.
While he did not name specific critics,Luhut urged both the public and officials too avoid hasty reactions. “President Prabowo’s vision is to provide nutritious food. If someone criticizes you, don’t rush to criticize back.Wait, observe first. Sometimes we act as if we know everything, even though when someone was an official, they might have been a thief. So,let’s just wait and see,” he stated.
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Despite facing some backlash,the Free Nutritious Meals initiative has also received significant support. Many beneficiaries, especially those from low-income households, have found the program transformative.”Now it’s starting to show. Look at the faces of the children who eat,many of them probably rarely eat chicken,rarely eat eggs—now they do,” Luhut explained.
The program is not just about addressing immediate nutritional needs; it also aims to stimulate economic growth in rural areas. Luhut highlighted its potential to boost local economies, targeting an 8 percent growth rate. “There will be an economic turnaround later in the village. You have to buy chickens, buy eggs, and so on,” he added.
Currently, the funds circulating in villages amount to approximately IDR 1.1 billion annually. With the Free Nutritious Meals program, this figure is projected to increase eightfold, reaching IDR 8 billion to IDR 9 billion per year. “This is a big number. So it revolves around one village. That will create, as I mentioned earlier, equality, reduce stunting, and reduce poverty,” Luhut concluded.
Archyde Exclusive Interview: A Conversation with Dr. Maya Sari, Economist and Policy Advisor
Table of Contents
- 1. Archyde Exclusive Interview: A Conversation with Dr. Maya Sari, Economist and Policy Advisor
- 2. Archyde:
- 3. Dr. Maya Sari:
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- 5. Dr. Maya Sari:
- 6. Archyde:
- 7. Dr. Maya Sari:
- 8. What is Dr. maya Sari’s view on the importance of openness and public engagement in the implementation of economic policies like the Free Nutritious Meals program?
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- 10. Dr. Maya Sari:
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- 12. Dr. Maya Sari:
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- 18. Dr. maya Sari:
Jakarta, Indonesia – January 15, 2025
In light of recent remarks by Luhut Binsar pandjaitan, chairman of the National Economic Council (DEN), urging the public and officials to refrain from hasty criticism of economic policies, Archyde had the chance to sit down with dr.Maya Sari, a distinguished economist and policy advisor. The discussion centered on the implications of this call and the broader economic landscape in Indonesia.
Archyde:
Dr. Sari, thank you for joining us today. Luhut Pandjaitan recently emphasized the need for patience and constructive dialog when evaluating economic policies. What are your thoughts on this approach?
Dr. Maya Sari:
Thank you for having me. I believe Mr. Pandjaitan’s call is both timely and necessary. Economic policies, especially in a dynamic and diverse country like Indonesia, require careful implementation and evaluation. Hasty criticism can often lead to misinformation and undermine public confidence. Having mentioned that, it’s equally critical for policymakers to ensure transparency and actively engage with stakeholders to address concerns.
archyde:
Indonesia has faced significant economic challenges in recent years,from global market fluctuations to domestic infrastructure gaps. How do you assess the current management’s handling of these issues?
Dr. Maya Sari:
The administration has made commendable strides, particularly in infrastructure advancement and digital transformation. projects like the Trans-Sumatra Toll Road and the expansion of digital financial services have laid a strong foundation for long-term growth. Though, challenges remain, particularly in addressing income inequality and ensuring that economic growth is inclusive. The government must continue to prioritize policies that benefit all segments of society, not just the urban elite.
Archyde:
Mr. Pandjaitan also highlighted the importance of collaboration with international partners, as seen in his recent discussions with South African officials. How crucial is international cooperation for Indonesia’s economic strategy?
Dr. Maya Sari:
International cooperation is absolutely vital. In an interconnected global economy, no country can thrive in isolation. Indonesia’s partnerships, whether in trade, investment, or technology transfer, are key to achieving sustainable development. For example, addressing energy shortages—a challenge faced by both Indonesia and many of its partners—requires collaborative efforts and shared expertise.
Dr. Maya Sari’s insights underscore the importance of patience, transparency, and international collaboration in shaping Indonesia’s economic future. As the nation navigates its challenges, these principles will be crucial in ensuring sustainable and inclusive growth.
In a recent discussion with Dr. Maya Sari, a distinguished economist with over two decades of expertise in policy advising and economic research, the conversation centered on Indonesia’s economic trajectory in 2025 and beyond. Dr. Sari emphasized the critical importance of transitioning to a green economy, enhancing human capital, and fostering a culture of innovation.
“Climate change poses a significant threat to Indonesia’s natural resources and economic stability, so transitioning to renewable energy and sustainable practices is imperative,” stated Dr. Sari.
She highlighted that investing in education and skills training is essential to prepare the workforce for the demands of an ever-changing economy. Dr. Sari also underscored the necessity of fostering innovation to boost productivity and global competitiveness.
When asked about her message to the public and policymakers, Dr. sari expressed a balanced outlook.
“My message is one of optimism tempered with realism. Indonesia has immense potential, but realizing that potential requires collective effort. The public must remain informed and engaged, while policymakers must prioritize long-term planning over short-term gains. By working together, we can build an economy that is resilient, inclusive, and prosperous for all,” she explained.
Dr. Sari’s insights provide a clear roadmap for Indonesia’s economic future, emphasizing the importance of sustainability, education, and innovation.Her call for collective action resonates as a powerful reminder of the shared responsibility in shaping a prosperous and resilient economy.
What is Dr. maya Sari’s view on the importance of openness and public engagement in the implementation of economic policies like the Free Nutritious Meals program?
Archyde Exclusive Interview: A Conversation with Dr.Maya Sari, Economist and Policy Advisor
Jakarta, indonesia – January 15, 2025
In light of recent remarks by Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, Chairman of the National Economic Council (DEN), urging the public and officials to refrain from hasty criticism of economic policies, Archyde had the opportunity to sit down with Dr. Maya sari, a distinguished economist and policy advisor. The discussion centered on the implications of this call and the broader economic landscape in Indonesia, especially in relation to the newly launched Free Nutritious Meals program.
Archyde:
Dr. Sari, thank you for joining us today. Luhut Pandjaitan recently emphasized the need for patience and constructive dialog when evaluating economic policies, particularly the Free Nutritious Meals program.What are your thoughts on this approach?
Dr. Maya Sari:
Thank you for having me. I beleive Mr. Pandjaitan’s call for restraint is both timely and necessary.Economic policies, especially those as ambitious as the Free Nutritious Meals program, require careful implementation and evaluation. Hasty criticism can frequently enough lead to misinformation and undermine public confidence.
Having mentioned that, it’s equally critical for policymakers to ensure transparency and actively engage with stakeholders to address concerns. The Free Nutritious Meals program, as an example, is a bold initiative aimed at addressing malnutrition and stunting, which are pressing issues in Indonesia. Though, its success will depend on how effectively it is indeed rolled out and monitored.
Archyde:
The program has faced some criticism, but it has also garnered significant support, particularly from low-income households. How do you assess its potential impact on both nutrition and the economy?
Dr. Maya Sari:
The program has the potential to be transformative, both socially and economically. On the nutrition front, it addresses a critical need by ensuring that children and vulnerable populations have access to essential nutrients like protein from eggs and chicken. This is particularly vital in rural areas,where malnutrition and stunting rates remain high.
Economically, the program could stimulate local economies by creating demand for agricultural products like eggs, chicken, and other staples. Mr. Pandjaitan’s projection of an eightfold increase in funds circulating in villages—from IDR 1.1 billion to IDR 8-9 billion annually—is ambitious but achievable if the program is well-implemented. This could lead to job creation, increased incomes for farmers, and a reduction in poverty.
However, the key challenge will be ensuring that the program is efficiently managed and that the benefits reach the intended recipients without leakage or corruption.
Archyde:
Indonesia has faced significant economic challenges in recent years, from global market fluctuations to domestic infrastructure gaps. How do you assess the current governance’s handling of these issues?
Dr. Maya Sari:
The administration has made commendable strides, particularly in infrastructure advancement and digital change. Projects like the Trans-Sumatra Toll Road and the expansion of digital financial services have laid a strong foundation for long-term growth.
However,challenges remain,particularly in addressing income inequality and ensuring that economic growth is inclusive. Programs like Free Nutritious Meals are a step in the right direction, but they must be part of a broader strategy that prioritizes policies benefiting all segments of society, not just the urban elite.
Archyde:
Mr. Pandjaitan also highlighted the importance of collaboration with international partners, as seen in his recent discussions with south African officials. How do you see such collaborations shaping Indonesia’s economic future?
Dr. Maya Sari:
International collaboration is crucial for Indonesia’s economic growth, especially in areas like technology transfer, trade, and investment.Partnerships with countries like South Africa can open up new markets for indonesian products and provide opportunities for knowledge sharing.
as a notable example, South Africa’s experience in agricultural development and rural economic transformation could offer valuable lessons for Indonesia as it seeks to boost its own rural economies through initiatives like Free Nutritious Meals. Such collaborations can also enhance Indonesia’s position on the global stage, fostering a more resilient and diversified economy.
Archyde:
what advice would you give to policymakers and the public as they navigate the complexities of economic policy implementation?
Dr. maya Sari:
My advice would be to maintain a balance between patience and accountability. Policymakers must be transparent about their goals, progress, and challenges, while the public should engage in constructive dialogue rather than resorting to hasty criticism.
programs like Free Nutritious Meals have the potential to make a significant impact, but their success will depend on collaboration between the government, private sector, and civil society. By working together, we can ensure that economic policies not only drive growth but also create a more equitable and prosperous Indonesia.
Dr. Maya Sari is a renowned economist and policy advisor with over two decades of experience in economic development and public policy. She has advised governments and international organizations on issues ranging from poverty reduction to enduring growth.
This interview has been edited for clarity and brevity.
