MPR Speaker Praises Gov’t Measures to Overcome Economic Woes Amid Pandemic

President Jokowi welcomes leaders of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) at the Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java, Wednesday (8/7). Photo by: BPMI.

The Government has taken extraordinary measures to overcome economic problems amid COVID-19 pandemic, speaker of the People’s Consultative Assembly (MPR) Bambang Soesatyo has said.

“(The Government) has had an agreement with (central bank) Bank Indonesia to provide zero interest rate for health care and social sector and 3.3 percent interest rate for MSMEs. I think the Government has taken extraordinary measures,” Bambang said after meeting with President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo at Bogor Presidential Palace, West Java, Wednesday (8/7).

Bambang quoted the President, saying that all world leaders are facing tough situation, but the Government remains optimistic it could overcome the challenges.

The President, he added, also stated that the Government provides Rp2.6 trillion subsidies to support Islamic boarding schools and religious education centers in the midst of COVID-19 pandemic.

“The President also said that the Government has agreed to provide subsidies to 20 million electricity users that use 450-watt electricity by imposing zero-fee for 6 months. The Government also provides a 50 percent discount for 900-watt electricity users,” Bambang said. (HIM/EN)

Translated by: Ridwan Ibadurrohman
Reviewed by: Muhammad Ersan Pamungkas