Ramadan So Momentum Boosts Consumption, THR Do Not Dicicil

Vice Chairman of the House of Representatives Azis Syamsuddin (Photo: Instagram Azissyamsuddin)

JAKARTA - Vice Chairman of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia Azis Syamsuddin hopes the Hari Raya Allowance (THR) and the 13th Salary in the Eid al-Fitr period 2021 can re-excite the people's market. This basis is the reason the House of Representatives rejected the provision of THR and the 13th Salary by dicicil.

According to him, this method is able to optimize people's consumption and purchasing power in the midst of unstable economic anxiety, after being hit by the COVID-19 pandemic. This is in line with the spirit and expectations of the working group to move the wheels of the economy, especially in the region. Including, efforts to provide support to the business world.

"This method is able to increase people's consumption. Consequently, manufacturers also do not hesitate in providing more supplies in the market. This boost will have an impact on the undercurrent economy. Even the calculations submitted by the Minister of Finance, the increase in consumption can penetrate Rp215 trillion," Azis told reporters on Thursday, April 8.

Azis assessed, incentives in the form of allowances can synergize with other government programs to increase the purchasing power of the community.

"There must be a plus, in seeing the potential of Ramadan this time. Not only put forward homecoming restrictions, but how to optimize consumption coupled with purchasing power. The most appropriate step is the incentive," said the golkar politician.

In addition, said Azis, the Government must also accelerate the distribution of social protection targets or outputs. Such as PKH, grocery cards, cash bansos and others that have not been fulfilled in the first quarter or April until early May 2021.

Dpr hopes that, ahead of Eid al-Fitr, the government will also accelerate the disbursement of Sembako Card from June to early May 2021 as well as the distribution of other social protection programs that are estimated to reach Rp14.12 trillion.

"A series of these programs, will be felt in the community in the lower middle class. Especially if this calculation is continued by distributing rice bansos to the community during Ramadan. Mr. Menko has conveyed this, and the House of Representatives highly appreciates the careful step," explained Azis.

From the data received by the House of Representatives, he continued, the distribution of rice bansos will be carried out at the end of Ramadan or during the period of homecoming. The 10 kilogram rice assistance program is given specifically for people who receive food cards.

Dpr also appreciated the breakthrough that continues to be encouraged by the Government. One of them is the implementation of the National Online Shopping Day Program at the end of Ramadan or Harbolnas Ramadan, which lasts for five days on H-10 to H-6 Idulfitri.

"We hope that activities in cooperation with associations, digital platforms, MSMEs, local producers, and local logistics actors continue to run. Certainly not seasonal, or Ramadan only," said Azis.

Moreover, the Government has ensured the provision of cost subsidies for free shipping. Especially for the purchase of local products and domestic production of MSMEs.

"If this continues to be done, it will obviously benefit in stimulating economic growth during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr. Consequently, it certainly encourages economic growth in the second quarter of 2021 which is targeted at at least 5 percent or 6.7 percent," Azis said.