"The subsidy in electricity cost will still apply in accordance with the system that was in place before," State-Owned Enterprises (BUMN) Minister Erick Thohir noted in an official statement in Jakarta on Saturday.
The minister remarked that 450-VA customers will receive a full fee waiver or free of charge. This is testament to the government's support for economically vulnerable communities.
"In accordance with the president's instructions, we, from the Committee for Handling COVID-19 and National Economic Recovery (KPCPEN), recently held a meeting with the minister of energy and mineral resources, so that the State Electricity Company (PLN) continues to provide services to people in need," Thohir, concurrently chairman of the Committee for Handling COVID-19 and National Economic Recovery (KPCPEN), remarked.
The minister further expounded that the electricity cost subsidy also refers to 900-VA customers. This subsidy extension is valid from January to March 2021.
Thohir stated that the focus will again be set at the possibility of continuing to extend the subsidy in line with the conditions of the affected community.
"The government has decided to extend the time to provide assistance for electricity costs in the form of a 100-percent discount or free for 450-VA household customers and a 50-percent discount for 900-VA power household customers for the next three months until March 2021," the minister revealed.
Furthermore, the government ensures that all social safety devices will continue in order to ensure that COVID-19 handling is conducted comprehensively, with health and economic recovery prioritized.
"The government will continue the stimulus program in 2021 for economic recovery and handling of COVID-19, including the procurement of vaccines, cash assistance, interest subsidies, financing for MSMEs, and food security," the minister noted. Related news: Electricity tariff temporarily cut for PLN's low-voltage consumers
Related news: Government extends electricity-relief scheme until September 2020
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Translator: Zubi M, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Suharto
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