RI to become developed nation by 2050: president

Surabaya, E Java (ANTARA News) - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said Indonesia will become a developed country by 2050 if it makes various significant changes in political, environmental and economic terms.

"In my estimation, with due account of all relevant factors, we will reach that state by 2050 provided we make significant changes," he said in a general lecture at Airlangga University here Tuesday.

The first step Indonesia should take to reach developed status was to build the nation and country through an integrated program by giving the provinces the chance to develop themselves, the president said in his discourse on "Indonesia`s Transformation in the Globalisation Era."

The second step the country must take was combining natural and knowledge resources and the third, achieving economic growth with equity, he said.

"I don`t believe in the trickle-down effect concept as many developing countries have failed to implement it. Therefore, since the beginning we ought to have equity in our economic growth," he said.

Another strategy the country should pursue, he said, was to strengthen national defense and independence, enhance constructive international cooperation and encourage the role of all people and their contributions to national development programs.

"In the next 10 years before 2050, our target is to reduce poverty sharply, reach sustainable and just economic growth, increase good governance, maximize law enforcement, promote a harmonious democratic system and win in global competition," the head of state said.

Yudhoyono, however, said poverty reduction as well as food and energy resilience were two important sectors the government would prioritize in the next 10 years.

National Education Minister Bambang Sudibyo, Communication and Information Minister Muhammad Nuh and Airlangga University rector Professor Fasich were present when the president gave his lecture.