President Jokowi Calls for Budget Reallocation Amidst Coronavirus Outbreak

Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung attends a Limited Meeting through a video conferencing on monetary and fiscal policy to deal with the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic, Friday (20/3). (Photo by: PR / Agung).

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo said he has ordered relevant ministers and regional governments to refocus their budgets to help the country cope with the ongoing covid-19 pandemic.

“I have instructed relevant ministers and regional governments to prioritize three matters, including healthcare to mitigate the impacts of covid-19 outbreak, disbursement of social funds, and economic incentives for business players and small and medium business players,” President Jokowi said in his remarks during a Limited Meeting through a video conferencing on monetary and fiscal policy to address the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Friday (20/3) at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta.

According to the President, the global coronavirus pandemic has greatly affected the people’s health and the growth of the world economy, in which global economic growth this year is estimated to drop from 3 percent to 1.5 percent.

“Indonesia’s economic growth – which has been targeted at 5.0 to 5.4 percent this year – will also decline. We should face and answer to this challenge,” the President added. (TGH / EN)

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