Jokowi Talks Again About IDR 502 Trillion Fuel Subsidy: No Country Dare To Give Subsidies As Big As Indonesia

President Jokowi gives a speech while attending the inauguration of the National Gathering of the Indonesian Army Retired Army Association (Silatnas PPAD) ANTARA/HO-Press Bureau of the Presidential Secretariat

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo attended the inauguration of the opening of the 2022 National Gathering (Silatnas) of the Indonesian Army Retired Army (PPAD) Association. Jokowi again touched on fuel subsidies.

In his remarks, President Jokowi expressed his gratitude for the service of retired officers during their active and post-retirement periods.

"I know that the service of retired men and women never stops. As long as they are active as members of the Indonesia Army (TNI), they always do their best in carrying out their duties. After retirement, they have never given up their hearts and minds for this beloved country. For that, on behalf of the people and the government, I would like to express my deepest gratitude", said the President at the Sentul International Convention Center, Bogor Regency, West Java, as reported by ANTARA, Friday, August 5.

The President also mentioned information related to the pension amount for retired TNI soldiers.

The President admitted that he understood that the nominal value of IDR 2.6 million for enlisted pensioners, IDR 3.5 million for non-commissioned officers, and IDR 4.1 million for officers was still insufficient, especially for those who live in the Greater Jakarta area.

"I know, I know, especially those in Jabodetabek, this figure is a number that is still very lacking", he said.

The President said the government had tried to provide additional holiday allowances and 13th salaries for retired TNI soldiers, although this was still lacking.

Understanding this, the President stated that the current state budget is in a difficult position, so the government must calculate carefully before deciding on an increase in income for retirees.

"I can't promise because I said earlier that our APBN is in a difficult position. However, when I return from here I will call the Minister of Finance, I will invite the calculations. When the calculations are final, I will pass it on to all of you", he said.

Regarding the difficult situation in the State Budget, the President explained that the government was faced with the big task to control the prices of various crucial necessities, especially the price of fuel oil amid inflationary trends in various parts of the world.

As a result, the government must provide a large portion of the APBN to meet the price subsidy.

"The government issued a subsidy budget (fuel oil) that was not small, amounting to IDR 502 trillion, which no country dared to provide as big as Indonesia's subsidies", said the President.