Our 2021 PEN has already realized Rp182 trillion from Rp699 trillion, or 26.1 percent (of the total budget allocation)
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The realization of the National Economic Recovery (PEN) budget reached Rp182.39 trillion, or 26.1 percent of the total budget of Rp699.43 trillion, as of May 18, 2021, according to Minister of Finance, Sri Mulyani Indrawati.



"Our 2021 PEN has already realized Rp182 trillion from Rp699 trillion, or 26.1 percent (of the total budget allocation),” the minister said during a joint meeting with Commission XI of the House of Representatives in Jakarta on Monday.



The realized budget funds of Rp182.39 trillion included Rp30.83 trillion flowing into the health sector, or 18 percent of the total Rp172.84 trillion allocated for buying vaccines, implementing vaccination programs, and providing treatment to COVID-19 patients.



Meanwhile, the budget realization for the social protection program reached Rp57.04 trillion, or 39 percent of the total budget of Rp148.27 trillion, she disclosed. The funds flowed into programs such as the Family Hope Program (PKH), staple food provision, and village cash transfers, she added.


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"Everything has been done and even then asked to accelerate because at that time there was an increase in the number of COVID-19 (cases),” Indrawati said.



In addition, 18 percent, or Rp22.79 trillion, of the Rp127.85 trillion allocated for priority programs was realized, she added.



Many ministries, agencies, and sectors requested program support using the priority program funds, but their execution often ran into obstacles, Indrawati observed.



"Because sometimes the number of COVID-19 (cases does spike), the budget design still needs to be improved. Especially for tourism, food security, we will accelerate information communication technology (ICT) and (setting up of) industrial areas," the Finance Minister said.


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Furthermore, 22 percent, or Rp42.23 trillion, of the Rp193.74 trillion support budget for MSMEs has been realized in the form of government assistance to 9.8 million micro-businesses and the provision of MSME credit guarantees, working capital and corporate loans, and placement of government funds in banks, she informed.



Meanwhile, 18 percent, or Rp29.51 trillion, of the Rp56.73 trillion allocated for business incentives has been realized. This includes provision of Income Tax (PPh) Article 21 relaxation (DTP) for around 89,608 workers, which was borne by the government. (INE)


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Translator: Astrid H, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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