Govt to Hold 'Harbolnas Ramadan', Provide Free Shipping

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said the government was set to hold a National Online Shopping Day in Ramadan dubbed "Harbolnas Ramadan" in a bid to boost the country’s economy in times of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The shipping cost will be borne by the government or digital platforms,” said Airlangga as quoted from a statement published on the official page of Cabinet Secretary today, April 20, 2021. The program will commence on D-10 and last until D-6 of Eid al-Fitr.

He mentioned that there was a sharp increase in national spending in April. “It increases by 32.48 percent (year-on-year/YoY) on a non-seasonally adjusted basis and 13.11 percent YoY on a seasonally adjusted one,” he said.

To boost the people’s purchasing power, the government ensured the holiday allowance or THR for workers or state apparatus, military (TNI) soldiers, and police personnel.

“THR for workers is noted in the Manpower Ministerial Circular (SE) No. M6/2021. It is said that the allowance must be paid in full and no longer than D-10 of Eid,” Airlangga reiterated. As for Eid allowance for state apparatus, TNI, and police personnel, the regulation is being finalized by Finance Minister Sri Mulyani. He ensured that it will be paid on D-10 of Eid al-Fitr.

Apart from the THR, the government continued to accelerate the distribution of social protection programs (Perlinsos) and Basic Food Cards. Airlangga said the aid allocations for May and June will be paid in early May.

Read: Manpower Minister Urged Employers to Reach Deal with Staff on Eid Allowances

CAESAR AKBAR