By: Alfisyah Kumalasari ) *
Many people are helped by government social assistance, because they get cash or food packages. They do not have to worry when their financial stability is still not, because this program will be continued until 2021. The government understands that the pandemic has not ended and many need it, so it will extend social assistance.
The current financial situation of society is still not very conducive. Indeed, after the opening of the era of adaptation to new habits, slowly the wheels of the Indonesian economy started again. However, it is not optimal because of the global crisis. However, we must remain optimistic and work together so that the pandemic ends quickly.
The government is aware of this situation and the social assistance will be extended until next year, so that more people can enjoy it. Because the effects of the pandemic are so devastating that they have destroyed everything from small to large entrepreneurs, as well as employees to housewives. So that social assistance will still be needed.
The extended period of social assistance provided is assistance to MSME entrepreneurs, worth 2.4 million rupiah. This assistance will still be obtained by them next year, but on condition that this program is successful and efficient. So that money is really used to increase capital, not for personal consumption.
In addition, the social assistance that was also extended was assistance to private employees, amounting to 2.4 million rupiah. The difference is, if social assistance for UMKM business people must be used for business, this social assistance is even ordered to be spent. Because if it is spent in shops, it will be able to increase people’s purchasing power and prevent Indonesia from recession.
Teachers will also receive social assistance from the government as a form of appreciation. They get social assistance worth 1.8 million rupiah, on the condition that they have not been appointed as ASN, aka still have honorary status. This assistance is very appropriate, because when the school goes online , the teacher’s job is even tougher. They also have to pay credit or wifi so that learning runs smoothly.
So how long will social assistance be given? According to Social Minister Juliari P Batubara, the plan is for social assistance to be distributed to people in need until mid-2021. The goal is to maintain the national economy. In that sense, the people’s financial condition is not very stable, so they need help from the government.
Providing assistance does not mean spoiling the Indonesian people. However, because many people were affected by the corona storm and they had difficulty just eating rice with fried tempeh. So that the provision of basic food packages in the form of rice, instant noodles, oil, and eggs (or sardines) will still be given to people who need them.
Social assistance for workers is also provided because it turns out that many of their salaries do not match the UMR. Or, they actually paid UMR but had to cut it in half. Due to the financial condition of the company being unsteady due to the Covid-19 pandemic. So they really need social assistance worth 2.4 million rupiah to make a living.
Supervision in the distribution of social assistance is also needed so that there is no fraud in the field. Don’t let anyone corrupt it. This requires cooperation between the local government, the KPK, and civilians. So that when a person takes the social assistance, the authorities can immediately arrest him.
Those who receive social assistance in the form of basic food packages are also expected to consume them right away, not to sell them. Because the price can drop dramatically. In addition, when it was sold, it seemed that they did not respect the government as providing social assistance. It is better to cook rice as rice than to exchange it for bills, which will lower your self-esteem.
The provision of social assistance which will be extended until 2021 shows the government’s concern for its people. Because the government is aware that many people are affected by the corona storm. Assistance in the form of cash and basic necessities is needed so that they can survive and survive in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic.
) * The author is a contributor to the Cikini Press Circle and Students