The government increased social assistance for communities affected by the implementation of public activity restrictions (PPKM) by spending more than Rp186 trillion.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati has said that tax revenues are not only being used for visible development, like infrastructure and schools, but also to support education and health workers.

"All education workers in Indonesia in public schools, madrasas, and so on, have the support from taxes," Indrawati disclosed at the "2021 Tax Talk" webinar here on Wednesday.

"The health workers who have fought for 17 months against COVID-19 at the forefront, are getting benefits and assistance including protection in the form of personal protective equipment (PPE) and vaccination," she said.

According to the minister, until now, tax revenues have accounted for 70-80 percent of total state revenues.

With the tax revenues, the government has spent Rp214.96 trillion to handle the transmission of COVID-19 in 2021, which has been realized through vaccination programs, COVID-19 testing, tracing, and treatment, as well as incentives for health workers, she pointed out.

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The government has also increased social assistance and spending more than Rp186 trillion for communities affected by the implementation of public activity restrictions (PPKM), she added.

Moreover, the government has provided internet aid to 35.95 million students participating in online schooling.

"A total of 35.95 million students have received internet assistance, including college students, public school students, madrasas, Islamic boarding schools, educators, lecturers, and teachers," the minister informed.

In addition, tax revenues will also be utilized to improve internet connections in 13 thousand villages in Indonesia, Indrawati informed. The government will proceed with the construction of the Palapa Ring Base Transceiver Station (BTS) and fiber optic network, spanning 36 thousand kilometers.

Indrawati assured that tax incentives would still be provided next year, but their provision would be more selective and their accountability would be maintained with the help of Investment Minister Bahlil Lahadalia.

She said the government will also continue to implement tax reform next year using various means and efforts to support state incomes.

Next year, state income is targeted to reach Rp1,840.7 trillion, including tax revenue of Rp1,506.9 trillion and non-tax revenue of Rp333.2 trillion, she pointed out.

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Translator: Sanya S, Kenzu T
Editor: Suharto
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