"I invite SOEs and the private sector to cooperate with the government to accelerate and expand this infrastructure development. Otherwise, Indonesia's economy—which currently grows at an average of 6 percent with tremendous investment opportunities—will not achieve its fullest potential," said President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY) in his State Address on August 16, 2012. This excerpt became the impetus for SOEs to actively engage in every aspect of the nation's economic development. The message further inspired a new chapter—'SOEs: Work, Work, Work Towards Efficient, Clean, and Growth-Driving SOEs'—declared in Yogyakarta during the SOE Coordination Meeting (Rakor) attended by President SBY on Wednesday (10/10).
At the coordination meeting, Minister of SOEs Dahlan Iskan was also present. President SBY instructed that SOEs focus on several key areas such as food security, energy, and environmentally friendly transportation. He also emphasized that SOEs must remain free from abuses of power and cleanse themselves. The President urged SOEs to become world-class companies capable of competing with private enterprises.
During the event, Dahlan Iskan presented the achievements and performance of various SOEs, urging them to remain enthusiastic as they enter the era of 'Work, Work, Work.' Also in attendance were the management team of Jamkrindo, including the full board of directors, Supervisory Board Chairman Choirul Djamhari, and member Anis Baridwan.
President SBY also expressed his appreciation for the success of several SOEs that have contributed to the nation’s economic growth. "I extend my deepest thanks and highest appreciation for what several SOEs have accomplished in recent years, so that even during a global crisis, the Indonesian economy not only survived and endured but also grew—and this is inseparable from the tangible contributions of SOEs," he said.
While addressing SOE officials, President SBY expressed confidence that even more new stars would emerge in the coming year. "And for those who have not yet, quickly rise and move forward, because those who are in a state of suspended animation have, of course, already given up—and we cannot force anyone," he said.
He added that, in principle, nothing should impede the progress of SOEs, as that would also hinder the advancement of the Indonesian economy, which we are collectively driving forward.
President SBY further supported the meeting’s theme—towards clean, efficient SOEs that become the locomotive of growth—urging everyone to cleanse themselves first rather than waiting to be cleansed by others. "That is best—reforming and cleansing oneself; if everyone does that, then law enforcers and auditors will not have to intervene and prosecute all of us," he said.