RI's Anniversary Fee At IKN Swells, DPR: Budget Priority To Overcome Storm Of Layoffs And BPJS Subsidies

Photo: BPMI Setpres/Muchlis Jr

Member of the Budget Agency (Banggar) of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Netty Prasetiyani Aher, criticized the government's response to stating the swelling of the budget for the commemoration of the Republic of Indonesia's Independence Day in the Capital City of the Archipelago (IKN) as reasonable.

"Where is the fairness? Currently, people's conditions are experiencing difficulties due to the layoff storm, why is the state wasting money for the ceremony?" said member of the Banggar DPR RI, Netty Prasetiyani Aher, Tuesday, August 13.

As reported, the government acknowledged the swelling of the commemoration of the 79th Indonesian Independence Day because the activities were held in two places, namely Jakarta and IKN. It is also said that the still limited infrastructure in IKN has forced the government to allocate large transportation and accommodation costs for guests.

"Of course the cost is swollen because the infrastructure is not ready but has been forced to hold an event at IKN. Is it for the sake of prestige alone, state money is spent in crowds," he said.

If the government is sensitive, continued Netty, it should focus on solving various problems and homework in the community due to sluggish economic growth.

"Currently we are facing a storm of layoffs (PHK) which will definitely have an impact on the community's economy. Isn't this a priority to overcome?" he said.

The Ministry of Manpower noted that there had been layoffs for 101,536 employees from January to June. The number of workers affected by layoffs is expected to continue to increase until the end of 2024.

"For example, the textile and clothing sector has experienced a slowdown in growth, so they have to lay off workers, even close factories. Ironically, there is no intervention from the government to overcome it, instead it is busy holding magnificent events at IKN. The government should prioritize this," said Netty.

Furthermore, the legislator who is also on duty at the DPR's Manpower and Health Commission also highlighted the current inactive tens of millions of participants in the National Health Insurance (JKN). Based on data as of June 1, 2024, of the total 273 million BPJS participants, there are 58.3 million participants with non-active status

"This means that most of the non-active JKN participants are in arrears in contributions. The causes include being poor, because they are laid off, due to economic difficulties," he said.

According to Netty, the reasons for poverty and economic difficulties also make many people fall into online loans (pinjol).

"Isn't it more priority if the state budget is used for subsidies for families of victims of layoffs and payment of BPJS arrears so that people don't owe them money," continued the member of the DPR from the West Java VIII electoral district.

In addition, currently many farmers are also experiencing difficulties. "For example, tomato farmers who scream because their prices have fallen. Not to mention if we look at the MSME industry which is difficult to capital and often loses money. Where is the government present?" said Netty.

Another homework, said Netty, is the lack of budget for the protection of troubled Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) abroad. "The budget for the repatriation of PMI is also problematic, very minimal due to the low political will of the Government," he continued.

Therefore, Netty assessed that criticism from the public about the swelling of the cost of commemorating the Republic of Indonesia's Independence Day at IKN was a necessity.

The government is busy with euphoria by holding events at IKN, while the difficulties of its people are neglected. Even though the commemoration of Indonesian independence can be carried out in a simple but full of meaning, "explained Netty.

Therefore, Netty asked the government to be transparent so that the total budget for the implementation of the 79th Anniversary of the Republic of Indonesia could be opened to the public, including the cost of events at IKN.

"People must know how much it costs. Convey it to the public in a transparent manner," he said.