REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Finance Minister Chatib Basri said he was optimistic the country would achieve its economic target of 5.8-6 percent this year.
"I am optimistic as with low inflation this year, the people's purchasing will be high to drive growth," Chatib said here on Wednesday.
Earlier, he said, inflation this year would be relatively low with no more plan to raise oil fuel price hike.
He said household consumption would remain the main driver of the country economic growth in 2014.
He said another factor expected to contribute to economic growth this year is election driven increase in consumption.
Domestic consumption is expected to begin to grow in February two months ahead of the legislative election in April, 2014, he said.
"People will spend more in the pre election campaigns, buying T shirts and food for sympathizers . This is additional income contributing to an increase in spending," he said.
He said the government consumption is expected to continue to be consistent in its contribution to economic growth though not as big as exports which are expected to increase in 2014.
"U.S. economy is improving. Therefore, exports to that country are expected to grow. Slowdown, however, may be recorded in investment," he said.
Java accounts for the largest contribution of 57.99 percent to the country's GDP, followed by Sumatra accounting for 23.81 percent, Kalimantan 8.67 percent, Sulawesi 4.82 percent, Bali and Nusa Tenggara 2.53 percent and Maluku and Papua 2.18 percent.