The Transfer Of Fuel Subsidy, Minister Of Finance Sri Mulyani: Presidentially Set Social Assistance At Rp24.17 Trillion For The Community

Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani. (Photo: Doc. Ministry of Finance)

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) has officially increased the social assistance budget (bansos) for the community as a form of diversion of fuel oil subsidies (BBM). The amount issued reached Rp24.17 trillion.

This was conveyed by the Minister of Finance (Menkeu) Sri Mulyani at a press conference at the Merdeka Palace which was broadcast on the Presidential Secretariat's YouTube account, Monday, August 29.

"So the total social support set by the president to be executed starting this week is IDR 24.17 trillion," said Sri Mulyani.

Sri Mulyani explained that this social assistance was given in order to increase their purchasing power, especially because in recent times the tendency of rising prices stemming from global influence, is indeed necessary to respond to.

"This is expected to reduce the pressure on the community and even reduce poverty so that we can provide support to people who are indeed faced with pressure on price increases," he said.

Furthermore, Sri said there are three kinds of assistance that will be provided by the government. First, direct cash assistance (BLT) with a budget allocation of Rp12.4 trillion and targeting 20.65 million beneficiary families (KPM).

"So 20.65 million groups or beneficiary families will get a budget of Rp. 12.4 trillion which will be paid by the mother of Social Affairs Rp. 150,000 for four times. So in this case, the Minister of Social Affairs will pay it twice, namely the first Rp. 300,000 and the second Rp. 300,000," he explained.

Second, Wage Subsidy Assistance (BSU) with a budget allocation of Rp9.6 trillion. This assistance will be provided by the Ministry of Manpower to 16 million workers. Each of them will receive Rp600,000.

"Mr. President also instructed us to help 16 million workers who have a maximum salary of IDR 3.5 million per month. With assistance of IDR 600,000. This will also be the Minister of Manpower and Transmigration will soon issue the technical guidelines (technical instructions) so that direct payments can be made to the workers," he explained.

Finally, the local government (Pemda) was asked to prepare 2 percent of the General Transfer Fund (DTU), namely the General Allocation Fund (DAU) and Revenue Sharing Fund (DBH) for subsidies in the transportation sector. The target of this social assistance is public transportation to fishermen and for additional social protection.

"The Ministry of Home Affairs will issue rules, we at the Ministry of Finance also set a regulation of the Minister of Finance where 2 percent of the general transfer funds, namely DAU and DBH are given to the people in the form of transportation subsidies for public transportation to motorcycle taxis and fishermen, as well as for additional social protection," he said.