Gov’t To Allocate Rp40 Trillion To Boost Public Purchasing Power, Consumption

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo delivers his remarks during a Limited Cabinet Meeting through video conferencing. (Photo by: Presidential Secretariat)

In a bid to maintain the purchasing power in rural areas, the Government has announced plan to allocate Rp40 trillion for several programs to increase public purchasing power and consumption.

“I have ordered Minister of Villages, Disadvantaged Regions and Transmigration and Minister of Home Affairs to instruct all regional leaders to implement the cash-for-work program from village funds for labor-intensive so that the village communities can feel the impact on the budget allocation worth Rp72 trillion,” President Jokowi said during a Limited Cabinet Meeting done through video conferencing, Monday (16/3).

On the Pre-Employment Card program worth Rp12 trillion, the President said that the program will be launched by this week.

“The Presidential Regulation has been issued. We are making preparations so that the card can be launched immediately,” the President said.

On that occasion, the President also ordered Minister of Social Affairs to immediately implement the second phase of the Family Hope Program (PKH) this year.

The Head of State also told Minister of Finance to see the possibility of whether the total budget of the program can be increased to strengthen public purchasing power and consumption, which is aimed at cushioning the country’s economic growth.

“I think this video conferencing is quite effective for us to keep working to tackle the coronavirus outbreak and the slow economic growth,” President Jokowi said. (UN / EN)

Translated by: Syarifah Aisyah
Reviewed by: M. Ersan Pamungkas