Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesia's economy is forecast to grow 4.1 percent in the 3.9-4.3 percent range in the 2021 third quarter after earlier increasing by 7.07 percent, according to University of Indonesia economist Teuku Riefky.
"The COVID-19 wave at the start of this year's third quarter lowered the economic growth, as people's mobility was tightened," Riefky noted in his official statement here on Tuesday.
Moreover, he projected overall economic growth of 3.8 percent in 2021 over the risk of a surge in COVID-19 cases at the year-end and a growth reversal in the fourth quarter being rather difficult.
Although economic activity has increased since the easing of public activities restrictions in August 2021, the enthusiasm over economic growth is likely to be limited, as a case spike at end of the year is likely.
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Looking at the current dynamics of economic growth, Riefky deems it necessary to note the fact that the pandemic is not completely over.
To this end, Riefky emphasized that health protocols should still be habitually followed despite continuation of economic activities.
According to Riefky, health protocols are aimed at preventing another wave that will not only impact the health sector but also the overall economic system.
Maintaining awareness of the spread of the virus by applying health protocols and accelerating vaccination rates are keys to pursuing growth back to pre-pandemic levels, he added.
If economic growth can return to that before the pandemic, it will lie in the range of 5.1 percent to 5.4 percent in 2022, he noted.
Thus, the success of economic growth returning to the pre-pandemic levels next year will depend on how comprehensively the government and society can apply those two keys, regardless of the uncertainties that might arise.
"In the midst of a health crisis, Indonesia's G20 Presidency next year can be the right momentum for the government to reset its focus on the long-term development agenda while facilitating discussions among world leaders on a stronger and even global recovery," Riefky expounded.
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