President Jokowi: Make Use of 2021 State, Regional Budgets to Stimulate Economy

President Jokowi delivers remarks at the handover of Budget Implementation List (DIPA) and List of Budget Allocation for Regional Governments and Village Funds 2021 for all Ministries/Institutions and Regional Governments, Wednesday (25/11), at the State Palace, Jakarta. (Photo by: PR/Rahmat)

Amidst the economic slowdown due to the impact of COVID-19, the Government’s expenditure is the main drive for Indonesia’s economy, thereby, the 2021 State Budget and Regional Budget must be used immediately to stimulate the economy, according to President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo.

“I instruct all ministers, heads of ministries and institutions, regional heads, particularly those with huge budget, to conduct an early auction in December to stimulate the economy in the first quarter of 2021. Thus, the (economy) will boost soon once the auction starts after the Budget Implementation List (DIPA) is handed,” President Jokowi said in his remarks at the handover of the Budget Implementation List (DIPA) and List of Budget Allocation for Regional Governments and Village Funds 2021 for all Ministries/Institutions and Regional Governments, Wednesday (25/11), at the State Palace, Jakarta.

The President also instructed Minister of Social Affairs to disburse social assistance programs to the beneficiaries in January 2021 in order to increase people’s spending and consumption as well as to stimulate grassroots economy.

“We must work swiftly. During this time of crisis, we must have different spirit. I have mentioned several times that we must switch to ‘extraordinary’ so that the stimulus program can bring concrete impacts and leverage to the economic growth,” he firmly said.

In addition, the President also called on all ministers, institution heads, and regional heads to reform the budget in order to stimulate national and regional economy.

“Use the State Budget and Regional Budget carefully, effectively, right on target. Every rupiah in the State Budget and Regional Budget must be spent for the benefit of the people,” he said adding that flexibility aspect is important in budget realization amidst the uncertainty.

He also noted that the Government needs to resolve problems of the grassroots, problems of the people, and to help people. In addition, vigilance, transparency, and accountability are an integral part of the realization of the State Budget and the Regional Budget. (MAY/SLN/UN) (RAS/MUR)