Sri Mulyani: Holiday Allowance for State Apparatus, Retirees Expected to Boost Economy
The Government has allocated budget for this year’s holiday allowance and 13th salary for state apparatus, including retirees, Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani Indrawati has said.
The holiday allowance and 13th salary regulated in Government Regulation Number 15 of 2023 are expected to boost economic activities.
“The holiday allowance and 13th salary are expected to boost the people’s economic activities, including shopping activities nearing or during Ramadan and nearing Eid,” she said in her press statement on Wednesday (03/29).
Sri Mulyani stated that the holiday allowance is given to state apparatus and retirees by taking into account various balancing aspects, programs, and the state’s financial capability.
“This year, in 2023, COVID-19 remains under control, but on the other hand, we are facing uncertain global challenges in economic recovery, especially global economic slowdown, geopolitical conditions that affect economic situations, and trend of monetary policies to control worsening inflation. To that end, the holiday allowance and 13th salary are adjusted to the current challenges and situation,” she said.
The Minister also pointed out that this year’s holiday allowance will consist of basic salary or basic retirement income and allowances attached to the basic salary or basic retirement income, which comprise family allowance, food allowance, structural/functional position allowance, and other general allowances.
“Just like 2022, this year’s allowance will also include 50 percent of monthly performance allowance for those who receive performance allowance,” she said, adding that state apparatus in regional governments will also receive holiday allowance consisting of the same components.
“For regional governments, [the holiday allowance includes] maximum 50 percent of additional income by taking into account regional fiscal capabilities and in accordance with laws and regulations,” she said.
According to Sri Mulyani, the holiday allowance is planned to be transferred 10 days before Eid al-Fitr, but if it cannot be paid by then due to technical issues, it can still be paid after Eid al-Fitr.
Sri Mulyani also pointed out that in Government Regulation Number 15 of 2023 that regulates the holiday allowance and 13th salary, the 13th salary consists of the same components as those of the holiday allowance and the payment will begin this June.
The Government also gives holiday allowance and 13th salary to teachers and lecturers who do not receive performance allowance or additional income, the Minister added.
“They will be given 50 percent of teacher profession allowance and 50 percent of lecturer profession allowance,” she said.
Sri Mulyani added that the holiday allowance and 13th salary are a form of appreciation for the service of state apparatus, including retirees and the personnel of the Indonesian National Defense Forces and Indonesian National Police.
“With the policy on holiday allowance and 13th salary, we hope that the economy will continue to boost and the people can celebrate the holiday while still observing health protocols. We also hope that the people’s overall condition will continue to improve,” she remarked. (FID/TGH/UN) (DH/MMB)
