Since the COVID-19 pandemic is not over, the discussion of the draft 2022 state budget must be directed towards turning the state budget into an intervention instrument to handle the pandemic, provide social protection, and restore the business worldJakarta (ANTARA) - House Speaker Puan Maharani has urged the government to make handling the COVID-19 pandemic the focus of the discussion of the draft 2022 state budget (RAPBN).
The draft 2022 state budget must also ensure social protection and national economic recovery, she said here on Monday.
"Since the COVID-19 pandemic is not over, the discussion of the draft 2022 state budget must be directed towards turning the state budget into an intervention instrument to handle the pandemic, provide social protection, and restore the business world, particularly micro, small, and medium businesses," she elaborated.
She made the remarks after chairing the 20th plenary session, session period five of 2020-2021, of the House of Representatives (DPR), during which the government responded to House factions' views on the framework for macroeconomic and fiscal policies for the 2022 budget year.
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The draft 2022 state budget must also focus on improving public services, particularly health, education, social protection, and economic recovery, Maharani said.
"The government must design a credible, accountable, and responsive state budget," she remarked.
Representing the government during the plenary meeting earlier in the day, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati replied to the House factions' views on the framework for macroeconomic and fiscal policies for the 2022 budget year.
The plenary meeting will continue on July 6, 2021, based on the result of a consultation meeting. (INE)
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Translator: Imam Budilaksono/Suharto
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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