Business Talk Series (BTS) # 4: Indonesia Post-Covid-19

SB-IPB, Bogor – IPB University Business School held the 4th edition of the Business Talk Series (BTS) on June 5, 2020. With the theme “Indonesia Post Covid-19” Mr. Muhammad Lutfi, who has served as Minister of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia United Indonesia Cabinet II in 2014 was invited as a speaker. The online talk show was attended by 477 participants who joined through the virtual zoom room with a total of 1079 participants. Not only that, BTS # 4 is also broadcast through the official Youtube account of the IPB University Business School. 

The online talk show was opened by Mrs. Musdhalifah Machmud as Deputy for Food and Agribusiness Coordination of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia as well as moderator for BTS # 4 at 19.05 WIB. The speech was delivered by Mr. Arif Satria as the Chancellor of IPB University, followed by an introduction to SB IPB by Mr. Noer Azam Achsani as Dean of the IPB Business School. The presentation was delivered by Mr. Muhammad Lutfi at 19.30 WIB, starting with the latest data on fiscal stimulus (31/5) in six countries, namely the US, Brazil, Russia, UK, Spain and Indonesia in handling the Covid-19 pandemic. The trend in technology utilization is predicted to increase after Covid-19, including e-commerce, digital payments, remote working, and distance learning. There are four key areas for Indonesia to realize its digital ambitions, including building digital infrastructure, encouraging customer awareness and trust, developing a future workforce, and growing an innovation ecosystem and supporting local competitiveness. 

Global megatrend is predicted to occur in 2045, this will coincide with 100 years of Indonesian independence. Asia Pacific will dominate world economic output, this should be an opportunity for Indonesia with its demographic bonus. Indonesia should be able to become a rich and developed country before it gets old, before the demographic bonus ends. Furthermore, the former Indonesian Minister of Trade explained three growth scenarios for Indonesia, including a base case scenario with an annual GDP growth of 5.1%, a high scenario with an annual GDP growth of 5.7%, and a super high scenario with an annual GDP growth of 6.4%. The industrial sector is the driver of economic growth with manufacturing and energy growth a necessity.

The discussion and question and answer session was very interactive. There were 13 questions asked, two of which were delivered directly. The enthusiasm of the participants was very high, coming from various regions and even across countries. BTS # 4 was relaxed and interesting, there were lots of insights for Indonesia after Covid-19. With difficulties there is convenience, together we can! (FK)