Jakarta (ANTARA) - Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati has announced a 50 percent electricity discount for January and February 2025 to protect people's purchasing power following an increase of the value-added tax (VAT) rate to 12 percent.

During a press conference on economic policy packages in Jakarta on Monday, she explained that the discount is provided to subscribers with electricity capacity of 2,200 VA or below.

The policy will affect 81.4 million households, or 97 percent of the total customers of the state-run electricity company, PLN.

The total budget for the electricity discount reaches Rp12.1 trillion (around US$756.15 million).

PLN CEO Darmawan Prasodjo expressed appreciation for the government's discount.

In addition, PLN is in favor of the VAT imposed on 400,000 customers with electricity capacity of 6,600 VA or above.

"VAT for electricity rates is imposed only on our richest households or customers from the deciles in our customer structure," Prasodjo affirmed.

He noted that PLN is ready to implement the policy by making adjustments for customers eligible for the 50 percent discount.

On Monday, the government announced that the increase in the VAT rate from 11 percent to 12 percent will take effect on January 1, 2025.

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto stated that the 12 percent VAT rate aligns with Law Number 7 of 2021 on Harmonization of Tax Regulations.

Nevertheless, the government will continue providing VAT exemptions for strategic goods and services.

Related news: Indonesia to provide incentive before executing VAT increase plan
Related news: Government to bear 1 pct VAT increase for 3 commodities: Minister

Translator: Putu Indah, Raka Adji
Editor: Anton Santoso
Copyright © ANTARA 2024