DEN Calls Social Assistance An Instrument To Strengthen Inclusive Economic Growth
JAKARTA - The National Economic Council (DEN) stated that the provision of social assistance (bansos) disbursed by the government to the public is an investment effort to achieve higher and more inclusive economic growth.
"Often people term social assistance as a cost. Even though social assistance is an investment. Investment so that we get future growth or even growth at once," said Member of DEN Arief Anshory Yusuf quoting Antara.
The statement of social assistance disbursed by the government is currently in line with President Prabowo's Astacita, focusing people's welfare as the main thing.
Furthermore, according to him, the government is currently also continuing to prepare policies that lead to improving welfare, such as free nutritious food (MBG), economic deregulation, and economic stimulus packages in the second quarter.
Director General of Economic and Fiscal Strategy of the Ministry of Finance (Kemenkeu) Febrio Kacaribu said, in the 2025 State Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBN) posture of IDR 3,621.3 trillion, the government has allocated a budget for social protection (perlinsos).
According to him, in this year's APBN posture, IDR 503.2 trillion or 13.9 percent was prepared for social welfare, and six percent or IDR 218.5 trillion for health costs.
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In addition, currently the government has also prepared an economic stimulus package in the second quarter with a budget allocation of IDR 24.4 trillion.
Febrio said, in the package, the government provided incentives in the form of transportation discounts ranging from discounts on train ticket prices to ships of Rp0.94 trillion, discounted toll rates of Rp0.65 trillion, thickening social assistance of Rp11.93 trillion, wage subsidy assistance (BSU) of Rp10.72 trillion, and an extension of the work accident insurance discount (JKK) of Rp0.2 trillion.
Through the stimulus package and the allocation of social welfare, Febrio said, it is hoped that it can maintain economic growth in the second quarter, as well as increase people's purchasing power.