Indonesia's Economic Growth To Reach 5.7 Pct This Year

Jakarta, Nov 8 (Antara) - Bank Indonesia predicted that the country`s economy would grow only 5.7 percent this year, lower than last year`s record of 6.3 percent. "We are predicting it will be around 5.7 percent. So, in this quarter it will be a bit lower as growth reaches only 5.7 percent," the central bank`s governor, Agus Martowardojo, said here on Friday. He noted that the Indonesian government must improve production, especially exports, to be able to increase economic growth. "It seems that exports are still being pressured," he said. Agus added that an evaluation was also needed on oil and gas imports, whose growth was still quite high. "If the growth of subsidized gasoline consumption is still high, despite price adjustments in June, it means the impact of the fuel price hike on demand has not been effective," he said. He also noted that the Indonesian government must seriously monitor the current account deficit. He said the government has an opportunity to reduce imports and to better manage energy, especially fuel oil consumption. "Based on reports, as of the end of September exports have not yet risen, but have tended to decline, but fuel oil is only one of the factors that we have to be handles better. Our response in the real sector must lead to increasing exports and better management of fuel oils," he said.