"To help create jobs and maintain the people's purchasing power, the ministry, in 2021, also implemented a people's infrastructure development program that is carried out with a labor-intensive system through 20 activities spread across 33 provinces. The beneficiaries total 1.8 million workers," Minister Hadimuljono stated at a working meeting with Commission V of the House of Representatives (DPR RI) here on Tuesday.
During his presentation, the minister explained that the realization of the Labor Intensive Program in the water resources sector in 2021 had resulted in 361,771 workers being absorbed.
Thereafter, realization of the program in the creative sector had absorbed 417,381 workers, while 749,299 workers were absorbed in the highways sector, and 266,394 workers in the housing sector.
Related news: 2022 cash labor-intensive program aims to absorb 665,000 workers
The minister earlier noted that the people's infrastructure program or Cash Intensive Work (PKT) was deemed crucial for those from the low-income group living in rural areas in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic that had hit Indonesia.
Apart from driving economic growth and boosting the people's purchasing power, infrastructure development through labor intensive means aims to reduce unemployment.
The minister also remarked that the cash-intensive system must strictly enforce health protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Acceleration of the Labor Intensive Program at the ministry primarily aims to maintain the people's purchasing power and reduce unemployment amid economic uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Related news: Ministry raises labor-intensive budget for 2022 to Rp23.24 trillion
Translator: Katriana
Editor: Suharto
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