RI's Economy May Grow 6.6 Pct Next Year

Jakarta, Dec 5 (ANTARA) - Vice Finance Minister Anny Ratnawati has predicted the national economy may grow at a slower pace than earlier estimated at 6.8 percent next year due to stagnant export growth. "It is likely the growth will be lower than expected but it will not be far from 6.6 percent. We must remain optimistic about it," she said here on Wednesday. Anny expressed hope that domestic consumption, investment and government spending can offset export slowdown so that the growth will remain within the government`s range. "Because this year`s inflation rate is low, the policy on untaxed income will boost consumption," she said. She predicted the national economy will grow at a range of 6.3 percent to 6.4 percent this year. It will not reach the assumed 6.5 percent due to a slowdown in the global economy. Earlier, Bank Danamon chief economist Anton Gunawan predicted the national economy will grow at a level of 6.3 percent next year, fueled by strong investment and manufacturing industry. "The economic growth will remain strong thanks to the good manufacturing industry," she said. The 2013 economic growth will also be driven by domestic consumption along with the rise of middle-class people in the country, he said.