Warning From Observers: The Unclear Distribution Of Social Assistance Will Happen Again If There Is No Accuracy Of Recipient Data

Research Director of the Center of Reform on Economics (CORE) Indonesia Piter Abdullah. (Mary Handayani/VOI)

JAKARTA - Research Director of the Center of Reform on Economics (CORE) Indonesia Piter Abdullah expects the accuracy of data on recipients of social assistance (bansos) to accelerate the realization of distribution.

According to Piter, the distribution of social assistance which so far has not been optimal can only be accelerated if the government is able to build a system based on accurate data.

"As long as the system has not been built and the data used is still confusing, the problem of distributing social assistance will continue to occur," Piter said as quoted by Antara, Monday, July 19.

The government distributes social assistance to reduce the burden on the community due to the Emergency Community Activity Restriction (PPKM) policy which aims to reduce the transmission of COVID-19.

Piter ensured that the government's option in choosing Emergency PPKM was aimed at minimizing the impact of COVID-19 on the economy.

"Compared to a total lockdown, Emergency PPKM has really considered the negative impact on the economy. The choice is indeed that the government must prioritize public health first than the economy," added Piter

He does not deny that the decision has further impacts, such as business actors who have the potential to lay off employees again, and even terminate employment (PHK).

However, when the number of positive COVID-19 cases has decreased, Piter is optimistic that the economy will move again along with the termination of the Emergency PPKM policy.

"So the impact of Emergency PPKM on the economy is very large. Emergency PPKM reduces consumption and production. But on the other hand Emergency PPKM will reduce the transmission rate and when Emergency PPKM is stopped the economy will move again," he said.

Previously, the government through the Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan said it would provide additional social assistance worth IDR 39.19 trillion.

Luhut, who is also the Emergency PPKM Coordinator, said President Jokowi had ordered Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati and Social Minister Tri Rismaharini to immediately distribute the additional social assistance.