JAKARTA - The chairman of the DPR, Puan Maharani, has encouraged the government to optimize the absorption of the National Economic Recovery (PEN) budget. The low absorption of the PEN budget is considered to be hampering the wheels of the national economy.
"We remind the government to accelerate the absorption of the PEN program budget so that the wheels of the economy continue to move for the welfare of the people," said Puan in a written statement, Wednesday, May 25.
Puan said that the DPR has always supported the PEN program run by the Government, one of which is through the budgeting function. That's why Puan asked each Ministry/Agency to realize their work programs so that PEN funds can be absorbed immediately.
"In the midst of the economic situation that has not yet recovered, the DPR asks the government to continue to focus on realizing PEN programs that have a direct impact on the community," he said.
Puan assessed that the absorption of the 2022 PEN budget which had only reached 17.73 percent or Rp. 80.79 trillion from the budget ceiling of Rp. 455.62 trillion as of May 13, 2022, was still quite low.
"We have to learn from last year where the realization of the budget for the PEN program in 2021 did not reach 100 percent. There must be improvements so that the PEN budget can be absorbed maximally," said Puan.
The former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture also highlighted the budget for health care which had only been absorbed by 12.42 percent or Rp. 15.2 trillion from the Rp. 122.5 trillion allocation. In particular, Puan reminded the Regional Government to ensure that the budget for health care is distributed, especially regarding the payment of incentives for health workers (nakes).
"Health workers as the front line in handling health during the COVID-19 pandemic must really pay attention to their health, safety and welfare," said the grandson of the Indonesian Proclaimer Bung Karno.
"Don't let those who have fought and risked their lives for the sake of public health have not yet received their rights," added Puan.
Furthermore, Puan appealed to the Central Government to continue to monitor the performance of local governments in distributing incentives for health workers so that they are on target. Then also in terms of claim payments, handling Covid-19 through village funds, as well as tax incentives for vaccines or medical devices.
"We also hope that the realization of the social protection budget can be further optimized. Moreover, semester I-2022 is almost over. The government must boost social assistance programs, PKH, BLT, and other social protection programs," explained Puan.
Based on data as of mid-May 2022, the social protection budget has only been absorbed by 33 percent or IDR 51.09 trillion of the total IDR 154.7 trillion. The lady regrets this.
“In fact, the social protection budget is aimed at maintaining people's purchasing power and handling extreme poverty. We ask for an acceleration in realizing aid programs for the people," he said.
Puan also highlighted the absorption of the budget for strengthening the economy, the realization of which was only Rp. 14.48 trillion or 8.1 percent of the ceiling of Rp. 178.32 trillion. The allocation is used for tourism programs, development of information and communication technology, support for MSMEs, and the provision of tax incentives.
"We encourage the Wage Subsidy Assistance (BSU) that has been promised for some time to be disbursed quickly to help workers in need," said Puan.
To accelerate the absorption of the PEN budget, the Central Government is also encouraged to conduct periodic evaluations and supervision. In addition, there must be assistance in the implementation of the PEN program at the ministry/institution, starting from planning, budget realization, and program implementation.
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