RRI.CO.ID, Jakarta - Indonesian House of Representatives Commission VII lawmaker Novita Hardini emphasized the importance of strengthening the industrial sector as the main driver of national economic growth. She said this effort is crucial to face increasingly competitive global economic dynamics.

Novita noted that the industrial sector plays a strategic role in creating added value, opening job opportunities, and enhancing Indonesia’s competitiveness in the global market. “The strengthening of the national industry must be implemented in an integrated approach through policies that prioritize technological development, improvement of human resource quality, and support for business actors,” she said during a Dialectics of Democracy discussion entitled “Strategies to Drive 8 Percent Economic Growth” at the Parliament Building in Jakarta on Thursday, March 12, 2026.

She explained that the industrial sector is not only the backbone of the economy but also plays a vital role in maintaining national economic stability. Novita encouraged the government to ensure that industrial policies are implemented consistently, including through regulatory support, investment, and strengthening the domestic supply chain.

“Collaboration between the government, business actors, and research institutions is key to driving innovation and increasing the productivity of the national industry. With this cooperation, Indonesia is expected to utilize its resource potential optimally,” she said.

Looking ahead, Novita stated that national industrial development should not only be oriented toward economic growth but also take into account sustainability, equitable development, and community welfare. “This step is essential so that industrial growth can have a real impact on the wider community while strengthening Indonesia’s economic resilience in the future,” she said.

On the same occasion, the Ministry of Industry highlighted the agro-industry sector as one of the main drivers of the national economic growth target of 8 percent. “Despite facing global pressures and several structural constraints, this sector still shows strong performance in trade, investment, and employment,” said Merrijantij Punguan Pintaria, Director of Beverage, Tobacco, and Refreshment Industry at the ministry.

Merrijantij explained that the agro-industry remains a key support for the national manufacturing sector. In 2025, the agro-industry grew by 4.95 percent, slightly down from 5.20 percent in 2024. “This slowdown is influenced by global economic conditions that also affect industry demand and supply chains. The agro-industry contributes 52.09 percent to the total non-oil and gas processing industry,” she said. (Gusti Panji/Lasti Martina)