Jakarta, Sept. 29 -- Deputy Chair of the National Economic Council (DEN) Mari Elka Pangestu said that macroeconomic stability is an important foundation for Indonesia to attract investment and drive higher economic growth.

"Macro stability is always important," she said at the Kontan Economic & Demographic Forum here on Tuesday.

According to her, Indonesia's main challenge at present is maintaining stability, especially amid attention to fiscal discipline and macroeconomic conditions.

She said domestic factors had also affected the movement of the rupiah, in addition to external pressures such as a stronger US dollar and rising oil prices.

"In essence, perhaps Indonesia's first challenge is to remain stable," she said.

She added that...