Indonesian Independence Day Costs at IKN 'Swell', Members of the Budget Agncy Furious Saying People are Having Difficult Times

The ministers of the Advanced Indonesia Cabinet took a group photo in the MBH reservoir area, IKN Central Core Area, East Kalimantan, Monday (12/8/2024). BETWEEN Dwi Gayati

JAKARTA - Member of the Budget Agency (Banggar) of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), Netty Prasetiyani Aher highlighted the swelling budget for the commemoration of the Indonesian Independence Day in the Indonesian Capital City (IKN). The PKS legislator criticized the government's response which stated that the swelling budget was reasonable.

"Where is the reasonableness? Currently, the people are experiencing difficulties due to the storm of layoffs! Why is the state wasting money on ceremonies?," Netty told reporters on Tuesday, August 13.

Previously, the government admitted that the cost of the 79th Indonesian Independence Day commemoration had ballooned because the event was held in two places, namely in Jakarta and at the IKN. The government also said that the limited infrastructure in the IKN made it necessary to allocate large transportation and accommodation costs for guests.

"Of course the cost has ballooned because the infrastructure is not ready but it has been forced to hold an event at the IKN. Is it for the sake of prestige alone that state money is spent extravagantly," said the legislator for the West Java electoral district.

If the government is sensitive, continued Netty, it should focus on resolving various problems and homework (PR) in society due to sluggish economic growth.

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

The member of Commission IX of the DPR explained that 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 apparel sector experienced a slowdown in growth so that it had to lay off workers, even closing factories. Ironically, there has been no intervention from the government to overcome this, instead it is busy making grand events at the IKN. The government should prioritize this," explained Netty.

The member of the DPR's Manpower and Health Commission also highlighted the existence of tens of millions of inactive National Health Insurance (JKN) participants at this time. Based on data as of June 1, 2024, out of a total of 273 million BPJS participants, there were 58.3 million participants who were inactive

"This means that most of these inactive JKN participants are in arrears in contributions. The causes include poverty, being laid off, or having difficulty economy,” she said.

According to Netty, the reasons for poverty and economic difficulties also make many people fall into online loans (pinjol). In addition, he said, currently many farmers are also experiencing difficulties.

"Wouldn't it be a greater priority if the state budget was used to subsidize families of victims of layoffs and pay off BPJS arrears so that people do not have debts from pinjol," said Netty.

"Then, tomato farmers are screaming because the price has plummeted. Not to mention if we look at the MSME industry which has difficulty getting capital and often makes losses. Where is the government's presence?" She continued.

Not to mention other problems such as the still minimal budget for protecting Indonesian Migrant Workers (PMI) who have problems abroad. Therefore, Netty assessed that criticism from the public regarding the swelling costs of the commemoration of the Republic of Indonesia's Independence Day at the IKN is inevitable.

"The government is busy euphoric by holding events at the IKN, while the difficulties of its people are ignored. In fact, the commemoration of Indonesia's independence can be done in a simple way but full of meaning," Netty explained.

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

"The public must know how much it costs. Convey it to the public transparently," she concluded.