restrictions. The rise in infections has also led to a new wave of infections in countries that previously showed good recovery projections. So far the vaccines have proven to help reduce the rate of virus transmission, hospitalization, reduced fatalities, and also increased the speed of patient recovery. Although the impact of vaccines varies based on vaccine types, as well as individual conditions, vaccinating the population is an ongoing effort by the governments of each country to suppress the spread of the virus. However, there are still many obstacles in increasing vaccine uptake, both from the supply aspect, distribution, and public education. In addition, the unvaccinated population is seen as a vulnerable place for the emergence of new, more dangerous variants. The new, more dangerous variants are an important factor that will change the outlook for the global economic recovery.
Improvements in the national economy continued during the uncertain global economic conditions. 2021 was an important period for the acceleration of the national economic recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as a momentum year to continue and establish policy reforms to prepare a solid foundation to carry out economic transformation towards a developed country.
Based on data from the Central Statistics Agency, in 2021 the Indonesian economy grew by 3.69% (Cumulative to Cumulative/ CtC), reversing from the growth in 2020 that saw a contraction of 2.07%. In terms of production, the highest growth occurred in health services and social activities at 10.46%. In terms of expenditure, the highest growth was achieved by the exports of goods and services at 24.04%. For the national economy in 2021, Java Island contributed the largest proportion with 57.89% or a growth of 3.66%, followed by Sumatra with 21.70% or a growth of 3.18%, Kalimantan with 8.25% or a growth of 3.18%, Sulawesi with 6.89% or a growth of 5.67%, then Maluku and Papua with 2.49% or a growth of 10.09%.
In terms of the port industry, based on data from the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, their website reported that March 2021 saw the highest monthly container traffic compared to March 2019 with an increase of 35%. This shows the resilience of customers demand and global supply chains when entering the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The increase in the size of container ships also continues to occur from year to year, so adaptation to port infrastructure is needed. Average ship sizes have increased by ~130% globally from 2000 to 2015 and are expected to continue to grow to take advantage of economies of scale. This will encourage the development of an infrastructure around the ports to allow them to become an international maritime hub. The
