Subsidy Transfer To Social Assistance, Commission VII Of The DPR Suggested A Revision Of Law 191/2014 To Make Assistance Right On Target

Deputy Chairman of Commission VII DPR from the PAN faction, Eddy Soeparno/Nailin/DOK VOI

JAKARTA - Deputy Chairman of Commission VII of the DPR from the PAN faction, Eddy Soeparno, assessed that the decision to transfer fuel subsidies to social assistance (Bansos) announced by President Joko Widodo was correct. "From the start, we conveyed that the pattern and mechanism for granting subsidies were diverted from product to recipients. This (bansos) is one of the right government policies so that subsidies are given to those who need and are entitled," said Eddy to reporters, Thursday, September 1. Eddy hopes that the transfer of fuel subsidies to social assistance can maintain people's purchasing power in the midst of the government's plan to adjust the prices of Pertalite and Solar. Even so, Eddy said, Commission VII of the DPR suggested that there be a revision of Presidential Regulation 191/2014 regarding the Provision, Distribution and Retail Selling Price of fuel so that the fuel subsidy to social assistance is really right on target. So, according to him, there is a legal umbrella to determine who is entitled to receive subsidies. "That needs to be rushed and we are ready to supervise and oversee the implementation of the revision of the presidential regulation," said the Secretary General of PAN. It is known, President Joko Widodo has officially started the transfer of fuel subsidies into social assistance or social assistance to some community groups in the midst of news of an increase in the price of subsidized fuel types Pertalite and Solar. This social assistance is given to increase people's purchasing power. "The government will start providing additional social supports as a form of diverting fuel subsidies by Rp. 24.17 trillion," said Finance Minister Sri Mulyani Indrawati in a press conference after a limited meeting with Jokowi at the State Palace, Monday, August 29. This additional social assistance will be given first to 20.65 million beneficiary groups or families in the form of direct cash assistance or BLT of 12.4 trillion rupiah. This cash will start to be paid by the Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini in the amount of Rp. 150 thousand for 4 times, bringing the total to Rp. 600 thousand. But the payment of the purchase twice is Rp. 300 for each transfer.