Jakarta – This year’s commemoration of Youth Pledge Day is a crucial opportunity for the government to affirm the direction of national economic independence. President Prabowo Subianto has launched an economic stimulus package designed to maintain public purchasing power while strengthening the foundations for long-term economic growth.
In his directive, President Prabowo Subianto stated that this stimulus policy is not only a response to global economic challenges but also a strategic step toward national independence. The government is targeting national economic growth to increase to 8 percent by 2029, up from the current 5 percent.
“We want a strong people, an independent economy, and a more sovereign future for Indonesia,” said the President.
Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto emphasized that the President tasked him with announcing the fourth stimulus package as part of the government’s fiscal policy continuity.
“The President requested that direct cash assistance be provided from October to December 2025. This program will reach around 140 million beneficiaries, in addition to regular assistance from the Ministry of Social Affairs,” Airlangga said.
This fourth economic stimulus package includes a National Direct Cash Assistance (BLT) program worth Rp 200,000 per month for three months to 35 million beneficiary families from deciles 1–4. This policy is expected to support low-income household consumption towards the end of the year while maintaining purchasing power stability amid global uncertainty.
In addition to direct cash assistance (BLT), the government is also rolling out the National Internship Program, a symbol of investment in young human resources. The first wave will attract 20,000 participants from October 2025 to March 2026, while the second wave targets 80,000 participants by April 2026. This program provides an allowance equivalent to the minimum wage (UMP), social security for workers, and placement in the public sector, strategic industries, and MSMEs.
“This national internship program reflects the spirit of independence. We want the younger generation to not only seek jobs, but also be prepared to create them,” explained Airlangga.
The government ensures that aid distribution will be carried out through Bank Himbara and PT Pos Indonesia, while supervision is carried out digitally by the Coordinating Ministry for Economic Affairs and Bappenas to ensure the program’s effectiveness and transparency.
From a monetary perspective, Juli Budi Winantya, Head of the Economic and Monetary Policy Department of Bank Indonesia, assessed that the government’s policy would provide a strong boost to the national economy.
“This fiscal stimulus will strengthen the momentum of economic recovery, particularly in terms of government spending and exports,” he said.
Juli added that, with the synergy of government and Bank Indonesia policies, the national economy is expected to grow above the projected range of 4.6–5.4 percent in 2025 and continue to increase in 2026.
The launch of the economic stimulus on Youth Pledge Day is a significant symbol: the spirit of independence once championed by young people is now being translated into concrete policies to strengthen the nation’s economy. This stimulus is not just aid, but a leap toward a more independent, competitive, and prosperous Indonesia.
