TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo on Sunday ordered state-ministers to accelerate government spending to stimulate the public’s economic activities. The president’s call was featured in a video published by the presidential secretariat office on June 28, even though the plenary cabinet meeting took place on June 18.

“May I remind you about state-ministry spendings. What I can observe is that the reports are still average. Quickly use the spending budgets as the more money circulates the better public consumption becomes,” said President Jokowi.

He then gave an example for the state budget on healthcare that has only spent 1.53 percent from the total of Rp75 trillion, which is the source for the government’s allocation on the COVID-19 crisis. Jokowi called for it to be used to pay the incentives for doctors and medical workers and purchase healthcare equipment.

“Spend it as soon as possible for the appropriate uses and on target so that it would trigger the [national economy],” said the president who noted that ‘extraordinary situations’ needs to see health budgets be spent 100 percent.

Jokowi also called for social assistance to be distributed immediately, especially the government’s cash aid for people and SMEs outside the Jakarta greater area (Jabodetabek).

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ANTARA