Secretary of the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs Susiwijono stated that the government had issued a further stimulus aimed at boosting the people's purchasing power amid the COVID-19 outbreak.
"For informal sector workers, such as stall operators, small traders, and those in markets, we strive to coordinate the data with the local governments, market associations, and so on," Susiwijono stated at a press conference in Jakarta on Thursday.
Furthermore, he remarked that the government’s social assistance targeted online motorcycle taxi drivers.
Susiwijono admitted to his party having also coordinated with online motorcycle taxi service providers, such as Gojek and Grab.
"Likewise for daily workers at malls and shopping centers, we have contacted several associations. We will register daily workers to obtain direct cash assistance to increase the purchasing power," he stated.
Susiwijono explained that social assistance will be offered through pre-employment cards, whose function will be changed to facilitate direct cash assistance programs during the coronavirus outbreak.
"We shift the function of our pre-employment card that was earlier intended to boost competence through vocational training. Currently, we will shift the purpose of the pre-employment card to support the program," he expounded.
Furthermore, he noted that the program to offer social assistance to informal workers through pre-employment cards will run as soon as April 1.
"Yesterday, we had submitted figures for each pre-employment card holder, who could avail training costs of Rp1 million and incentives worth one million per month for four months. As a result, the total is Rp5 million," he stated. Related news: Air carrier industry requires government incentive amid COVID-19
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Reporter: Yogi Rahcman, Azis K
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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