Gov’t to Continue Stimulus to Boost People’s Purchasing Power

President Jokowi chairs a Limited Cabinet Meeting on the report of the Committee for COVID-19 Handling and National Economic Recovery, at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Monday (23/11). (Photo by: Public Relations / Rahmat)

In an attempt to rebuild the economy, the Government has announced it will continue to improve people’s purchasing power by providing economic stimulus for business actors.

“We need to increase household consumption by strengthening Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) so they can return to run their businesses again,” President Jokowi said during a Limited Cabinet Meeting on the report of the Committee for COVID-19 Handling and National Economic Recovery, at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Monday (23/11).

According to the President, budget realization for various stimulus programs has proceeded well.

The President also cited an example of the realization of wage subsidy program for workers affected by the pandemic that reached 82 percent, while the realization of working capital assistance for micro-businesses through Productive Presidential Aid reached 79 percent.

“I think stimulus programs will need to continue in order to help boost people’s purchasing power,” the President said.

On that occasion, the President ordered all relevant ranks to pay attention to the simultaneous regional elections to be held on 9 December, adding that the election process should also implement health protocol.

“The election is only two weeks to go. Do not let it hinder our big work in handling the COVID-19 pandemic and the economy. Do uphold the rules. Strictly implement health protocol, especially on the election day and during the campaigns,” he said.

On the planned national vaccination program, the Head of State has ordered that the vaccination be well-prepared so it can run smoothly.

“I supervised one of the vaccination simulations yesterday and it went well. I hope we continue to organize more simulations. I will inspect the simulations one or two more times so the implementation will run well,” he said, while calling for an evaluation of the mechanism and process of vaccine distribution.

“The mechanism and distribution process of the vaccine should be well-evaluated. That is important to carry out so the vaccine distribution to regions can go safely and smoothly,” he added. (TGH/UN) (RIF/EP)