Economic Growth in 2015 Can Be Over 5 Persent: Observer

Bandung, W Java (Antara) -- Indonesia\'s economic growth in 2015 could still reach a mark over 5 percent, although in the first quarter of the year, it grew by only 4.7 percent, an observer said. \"I am still convinced that the economic growth this year will be over 5 percent,\" economic observer Destry Damayanti stated here on Saturday. She is certain that infrastructure development projects will be expedited to ensure that economic growth reaches 5.3 percent by the end of the year. Damayanti added that the relatively low growth in the first quarter of 2015 was due to people\'s low purchasing power because they still felt the presence of uncertainties. In such a condition, businesses also adopted the wait and watch attitude and are doubtful about whether the government will realize their development projects. \"We are not talking about the government\'s need to complete the infrastructure projects because it needs time to do so. However, the market would like to see progress, such as land clearance, which would give confidence to investors,\" she explained. She added that foreign investors still saw Indonesia\'s economy as one that has room to grow further. They are now following the developmental projects planned by the government. Moreover, Bank Indonesia (BI) is confident that the country\'s economy will grow as expected, with maximum government contribution in budget spending in 2015. \"The economic growth target will remain the same at 5.4 to 5.6 percent,\" Governor of BI Agus Martowardojo said at the Asia Summit of the Institute of International Finance here on Thursday. (*)