This is a substantial number, as most of the national economic recovery (PEN) budget is allocated to the health sectorJakarta (ANTARA) - Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani Indrawati has said she expects the health budget for handling the COVID-19 pandemic to be increased to up to 300 trillion Indonesian rupiahs this year.
"This is a substantial number, as most of the national economic recovery (PEN) budget is allocated to the health sector," she said during an online discussion here on Wednesday.
Initially, a budget of Rp176 trillion was allocated for the health sector, which was then raised to Rp214.9 trillion when the government enforced mobility restrictions (PPKM), the minister informed.
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The budget for social aid was also increased to Rp187 trillion considering that people would face more financial pressure once the government implemented the restrictions, she added.
Indrawati said several social assistance programs are being improved, including the Family Hope Program (PKH) targeting 10 million people in the lowest class category, the program for the provision of basic food cards targeting 18.8 million people, and the Cash Social Assistance (BST) program for 10 million and 5.95 million additional recipients. Logistics support will also be provided for beneficiaries receiving rice from the logistics bureau (Bulog), she informed.
"There is also Wage Subsidy Assistance (BSU) and internet quota assistance for students in the country, as well as various electricity discounts that have been extended until the end of the year," she said.
All the additional budget allocations for health and social protection have resulted in an increase in PEN allocation to Rp744.75 trillion this year from Rp699 trillion in 2020, she explained.
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Translator: Agatha OV, Aria Cindyara
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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