W Sumatra Economic Growth is The Second Highest in Sumatra: BPS

id W Sumatra Economic Growth is The Second Highest in Sumatra: BPS

W Sumatra Economic Growth is The Second Highest in Sumatra: BPS

Illustration. (Antara)

Padang, (Antara Sumbar) - Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) of West Sumatra recorded economic growth in the province in quarter III of 2017 reached 5.38 percent or becomes the second highest in Sumatra after South Sumatra.

"West Sumatra's economic production in the third quarter was driven by an 8.49 percent growth in education business sector and from expenditures due to significant export growth of 113.09 percent," Head of BPS Statistics Division, Hefinanur stated Padang, Monday.

She explained that in quarter III of 2017, the economic structure of West Sumatra according to business field is dominated by three main categories, namely forestry and fishery agriculture 23.61 percent, large trade, retail and car reparation, motorcycles 14.94 percent and transportation 12.88 percent.

Meanwhile, in terms of expenditure of West Sumatra economic growth, besides boosted by the export of palm is also triggered by household consumption expenditure and government consumption expenditure component.

Hefina said some events that occurred in the third quarter contributed to increase economic growth of West Sumatra starting from the increase of air transport due to school holidays and the return of Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.

"In addition, the payment of the 13th salary in July 2017 for civil servants also participate in the West Sumatra economy," she said.

Then in the third quarter also coincides with the moment of school holidays and a number of events such as international dragon boat championship, International Songket Festival, Pasa Harau Art and Culture.

She added that West Sumatra's economic growth in the third quarter was also boosted by a significant increase in exports of rubber, fat, animal oil, and rubber goods.

Earlier, West Sumatra Provincial Government prepared three strategies to boost economic growth in 2017 with a target rate of about 5.3 percent to 5.7 percent.

"There are three ways in which the economic growth of 2017 can be higher which consist of the acceleration of absorption of Regional Expenditure Budget (APBD), facilitate investment and boost the tourism sector," West Sumatra Governor Irwan Prayitno stated.

Irwan suggested to accelerate the absorption of local government budget must immediately prepare all procedures and requirements so that in January 2017 development projects can be implemented.

If since the beginning of the tender year has been able to implement, the budget absorption will be faster so that it will drive the economy, he said.

Then Irwan expects local government should facilitate the investment into West Sumatra because if only rely on current exports, global economic conditions are sluggish.

He said during this time, West Sumatra economic conditions are not directly affected by global conditions because West Sumatra does not have strategic commodities such as petroleum.

The next most effective way to drive economic growth is by developing the tourism sector.

"When the tourism sector develops, the people's economy will live, the money will be circulated because visitors will eat and drink, shop for souvenirs to rent the vehicle," he said. (cha)

Editor: Vicha Faradika