By: Muhammad Fahreza)
The government has once again demonstrated its genuine concern for the working community by distributing the 2025 Wage Subsidy Assistance (BSU) to millions of laborers and workers across Indonesia. This program is not merely an economic stimulus, but an integral part of a medium-term strategy to safeguard the people’s purchasing power amid global economic dynamics and domestic inflationary pressures.
Minister of Manpower, Yassierli, expressed high appreciation for President Prabowo Subianto’s progressive move. According to him, the 2025 BSU is one of five priority programs within the economic stimulus package aimed at boosting national growth in the second quarter of the year.
With a total target of 17 million recipients, BSU is a direct intervention that positively impacts household consumption while reinforcing the social safety net. The government recognizes that purchasing power is a key indicator of real economic stability. Therefore, through this policy, the state manifests its presence by ensuring that workers can continue to meet their basic needs. This step is especially relevant in light of the rising prices of essential goods and the increasing cost of living.
Abdul Rahman Farisi, Secretary of Economic Policy at the Central Board of the Golkar Party, stated that BSU 2025 is not only a short-term economic recovery effort but also reflects a spirit of inclusivity and sustainability. He observed that the government’s focus on social assistance, public transportation subsidies, and wage subsidies demonstrates a balanced policy design—one that combines social protection with the strengthening of productive sectors. Such a strategy is crucial to maintaining social resilience in the face of global uncertainties, while also reinforcing the foundation of national economic growth.
Abdul also emphasized that the success of this policy depends on accurate targeting and efficient implementation. The precision of subsidy distribution is essential so that the program delivers not just in numbers, but in real impact for the people. He noted that cross-sectoral synergy must continue to be enhanced so that fiscal policies do not operate in isolation, but instead become part of a larger national economic recovery framework. With synergy between the central government, regional authorities, the banking sector, and industrial stakeholders, the effectiveness of BSU can be further maximized.
On another note, the government’s trust in the banking sector to distribute the aid is a crucial point. Corporate Secretary of BRI, Agustya Hendy Bernadi, stated that BRI has once again been appointed as the distributing bank for this year’s BSU, and is fully prepared to carry out this mandate responsibly. BRI’s role as a strategic government partner not only reflects its operational capacity but also its strong commitment to sustainably supporting workers’ welfare. The distribution of BSU through BRI’s extensive financial network allows aid to be delivered quickly, accurately, and securely to recipients.
Agustya stressed that BRI is not only fulfilling a technical function in distributing aid but also pursuing a social mission as a national development agent. Through various financial inclusion programs and support for government policies, BRI strives to be closer to the people, especially those who are economically vulnerable. In the context of BSU, BRI’s involvement also reinforces public trust in national financial institutions capable of supporting the government’s agenda to improve public welfare.
Furthermore, BSU also sends a positive signal to the private sector and business actors. With increased public purchasing power, domestic consumption—one of the main pillars of national economic growth—can be revived. This will create a multiplier effect, ranging from increased demand for goods and services, higher employment absorption, to greater state revenue from taxes. Thus, BSU impacts not only individual beneficiaries but also the interconnected economic system as a whole.
Within the broader framework of national development, BSU represents a humane, adaptive, and strategic policy. The government is not solely focused on macroeconomic indicators but also considers the dynamics and needs of lower-income communities. President Prabowo Subianto’s commitment to implementing pro-worker policies is a vital foundation for strengthening social solidarity and accelerating economic recovery amid current global dynamics.
This program is not just about numbers and statistics, but about how the state can respond to the real and equitable needs of its people. The public—especially workers and laborers—are expected not only to be passive recipients but also to actively support and monitor the implementation of BSU to ensure its effectiveness. Public participation, both in the form of social oversight and feedback, is essential to continually improve such policies.
Amid today’s complex economic challenges, the BSU policy is a concrete step to maintain a balance between social stability and economic growth. Therefore, the public is encouraged to fully support the government’s efforts in strengthening the social safety net and improving purchasing power through the BSU program. With public cooperation and trust, Indonesia will be able to overcome various challenges and build a fairer, more prosperous, and sustainable future.
*) The author is an Economic Analyst.
