Even Though The Absorption Of National Health Education Is Only 34 Percent, Sri Mulyani's Subordinates: Budget Proof Is Never A Problem

Head of BKF Ministry of Finance Febrio Kacaribu. (Photo: Screenshot of the Ministry of Finance's Zoom channel)

JAKARTA - Head of the Fiscal Policy Agency (BKF) of the Ministry of Finance Febrio Kacaribu said that the absorption of the National Economic Recovery (PEN) funds for the health sector until August 13, 2021 was Rp. 76.64 trillion. This figure reflects 34.7 percent of the ceiling provided this year of Rp. 214.96 trillion.

According to him, the relatively low realization allows the government to be able to take anticipatory steps in the event of a spike in COVID-19 cases in the following months.

"The percentage of 34.7 percent shows that there is a mix signal, on the one hand this is a form of state budget readiness to do maximum work so that the budget is never a problem. Meanwhile, on the other hand, it is a space to face uncertainty that can occur at any time,” he said in a virtual meeting, Wednesday, August 18.

To note, throughout 2020, the government has budgeted the amount of PEN for the health sector of Rp. 66 trillion. Meanwhile, the realization of funds for tackling COVID-19 only reached Rp60 trillion. Meanwhile, the remaining budget ceiling is then allocated for this year amounting to more than Rp. 200 trillion.

"This shows that our state budget is always anticipatory, and ensures that whatever is needed for the health sector, the state budget is always ready," said Sri Mulyani's subordinate.

In general, this year's PEN budget which is divided into five strategic sectors has reached Rp320.35 trillion, or equivalent to 43 percent of the allocated allocation of Rp744.77 trillion.

For information, the health PEN budget in the 2022 RAPBN is stated to be 'only' worth Rp. 115.9 trillion. Then, for the regular health budget of Rp. 139.4 trillion.

So that the total health fund for next year is estimated to reach Rp255.3 trillion, or lower than this year's Rp326.4 trillion.