Heaptalk, Jakarta — Acting Secretary General of the Ministry of Home Affairs Tomsi Tohir underscored the critical importance of improving the licensing system to stimulate Indonesia’s economic growth. According to Tohir, a swift and efficient licensing system can create job opportunities and reduce unemployment rates.
“The key lies solely in that. If the licensing process is efficient, everything else falls into place,” he affirmed during the Opening of the National Working Meeting of the Indonesian Regional Secretaries Forum in 2024, held at the Platinum Hotel in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, on Wednesday (12/11).
As an illustration, Tohir highlighted that every license issued for projects, such as the Building Approval Certificate (PBG), can generate employment for the community. He elaborated that with Indonesia comprising 552 provinces, regencies, and cities, a faster licensing process could create job opportunities for approximately 30 million workers.
Additionally, Tohir pointed out the obstacles related to the Spatial Planning System (RTRW) that have not been fully implemented in some regions. Without a clear RTRW, many development projects face uncertainty regarding location and permits. This issue risks hindering investment and infrastructure development that supports the economy.
“Without the RTRW, there is no certainty in business continuity,” Tohir explained.
Furthermore, Tohir emphasized that economic growth must align with improving local community welfare. He also called for preparing local labor to meet the demands of the job market generated by incoming investors.
Moreover, Tohir reminded the audience of the importance of implementing a merit-based system in managing Civil Servants (ASN) and organizing non-ASN workers. This would ensure the government’s workforce possesses the quality and expertise necessary to meet the needs.
“This step is expected to create a more solid, professional, and results-oriented bureaucracy,” he concluded.
