"Indeed, the state budget has become an extraordinary economic driving force, especially in the first semester," Sri Mulyani noted during a virtual press conference after attending the Plenary Cabinet Session with the president via videoconferencing in Jakarta, Monday.
The minister pointed out that the central government’s spending had grown considerably, reaching 19.1 percent, as compared to the previous year, chiefly from ministerial and institutional spending.
The finance minister highlighted that with the myriad changes occurring currently, especially regarding the increase in COVID-19 cases and the implementation of Emergency Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM), the state budget support should be stepped up, especially for health and social protection programs.
The finance minister stated that the budget ceiling in the health sector will increase to Rp193.93 trillion, from the earlier stated Rp182 trillion.
Related news: Finance Minister raises health budget to Rp185.98 trillion
The increase in budget aims to finance diagnosis, testing, tracing, patient care costs, incentives for health workers, death benefits, drug administration, and the provision of personal protective equipment.
"The budget of Rp193 trillion is also used for the procurement of 53.9 million doses of vaccine and assistance of the National Health Insurance (JKN) contributions for 19.5 million people. This budget encompasses tax incentives in the health sector," she expounded.
Meanwhile, for the social protection sector, the APBN will be diverted to assistance programs for the community, such as food assistance, cash assistance, village cash transfer (BLT), Pre-Employment Cards to internet quota assistance for students, educators and lecturers, as well as extension of electricity discounts. Related news: Health minister ensures budget still available for handling COVID-19
Translator: Rangga Jingga, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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