By: Salsabila Nur Aisyah
The government is highly optimistic about the positive impact of Economic Stimulus Package I-2026 in maintaining national stability and strengthening economic foundations. This policy is designed as a strategic response to ensure stable economic activity ahead of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, while protecting public purchasing power amidst still-challenging global dynamics.
President Prabowo Subianto is paying special attention to ensuring the stimulus’s effective and targeted implementation. This directive emphasizes the importance of ensuring all government policies provide tangible benefits to the public and support sustainable national economic growth. A measured approach is crucial to maintaining overall economic stability.
Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya explained that this stimulus package includes several priority policies focused on smooth public mobility and strengthening economic activity. The government is providing transportation incentives with a total budget of IDR 911.16 billion, sourced from the State Budget and non-State Budget support. This policy is designed to help people gain access to more affordable transportation while maintaining economic activity in various regions.
The transportation incentives cover various major modes of travel used by the public. The government is offering a 30 percent discount on train fares, targeting 1.2 million passengers. This policy is expected to significantly increase public mobility, especially during periods of increased national travel activity.
In addition, a 30 percent discount on sea transportation fares is also being offered, targeting hundreds of thousands of passengers. This policy strengthens interregional connectivity, especially for communities dependent on sea transportation. The government is also exempting port service fees for ferry services, targeting millions of passengers and vehicles.
Stimulus is also being provided to the air transportation sector through a 17 to 18 percent discount on economy-class airline tickets for domestic travel. This policy expands access to air transportation and accelerates the distribution of public mobility, ultimately contributing to increased national economic activity.
The government is also implementing a flexible work arrangement policy, or work from anywhere, for a limited period. This policy aims to maintain a balance between public mobility and work productivity. This approach also helps reduce travel congestion while ensuring optimal economic activity.
In addition to strengthening mobility, the government is placing significant emphasis on social protection through the distribution of food aid to the public. Assistance in the form of rice and cooking oil was distributed to 35.04 million beneficiary families from low-income groups. This program is designed to maintain stable public consumption and ensure that basic needs are met during periods of increased demand.
Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa assessed that economic stimulus plays a crucial role in maintaining national growth momentum. He observed that providing transportation incentives can stimulate economic activity broadly. This policy also follows previous steps that have proven effective in increasing mobility and strengthening national economic performance.
Previous experience shows that government stimulus can significantly increase economic activity. Increased public mobility during major national holidays has made a significant contribution to economic growth. This reinforces the belief that targeted stimulus can be an effective instrument in maintaining economic stability.
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto emphasized that the government continues to optimize various economic growth engines to maintain national stability. He views government spending, public consumption, and business investment as key factors that mutually support each other in strengthening the national economy.
According to Airlangga, Indonesia’s economic foundations are currently strong and ready to support sustainable growth. The government’s structural reforms, including streamlining bureaucracy and strengthening investment, are crucial in creating a more resilient and competitive economic system.
Indonesia’s economic performance also demonstrates solid resilience amidst the global slowdown. National economic growth remains competitive compared to other countries, supported by stable domestic consumption and responsive government policies. Economic stimulusA well-targeted economy is one of the main factors maintaining this stability.
Government spending directed at priority programs has made a real contribution to strengthening the national economy. This policy not only maintains domestic demand but also creates a multiplier effect that stimulates activity across various economic sectors. The impact is visible in increased mobility, growth in the transportation sector, and increasingly dynamic trade activity.
With a targeted strategy and consistent implementation, the government is optimistic that the 2026 Economic Stimulus Package I will have a significant impact on national stability. This policy is a crucial part of efforts to maintain economic balance, strengthen national resilience, and ensure public welfare remains secure amidst global dynamics.
The government’s steps in providing economic stimulus reflect a strong commitment to maintaining national stability and strengthening the foundations for long-term growth. This policy is clear evidence of the government’s continued presence in ensuring the national economy remains stable, resilient, and capable of sustainable development.
)* The author is a public policy observer
