Airlangga Reveals Plans for Direct Cash Assistance, Here's What He Said

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto has signalled that the government will provide stimulus for lower-middle-class communities. However, direct cash assistance will only be given to the lowest income groups. “If it’s BLT, it’s not for the middle class, but for those at the bottom,” he said when met at Wisma Danantara, Jakarta, Monday (15/6/2026). He explained that although the price of non-subsidised Pertamax fuel has increased, the government has decided to maintain the price of subsidised Pertalite fuel at Rp 10,000 per litre. Meanwhile, Airlangga said that stimulus assistance for the middle class due to the Pertamax price increase will be provided through another scheme, namely an internship programme. “Then we are preparing for the lower-middle class, decile 4 and below. This is currently being implemented,” he said. “For the middle class, one of the internship programmes we are pushing again in June,” he concluded. Previously, Airlangga confirmed that the Temporary Direct Cash Assistance for People’s Welfare (BLTS Kesra) programme initiated by President Prabowo Subianto to help low-income communities at the end of last year will not continue in 2026. Airlangga had explained that the programme targeting 35 million beneficiary families was designed from the outset as a consumption boost specifically for the fourth quarter of 2025. “This is a year-end stimulant to drive people’s purchasing power and also boost economic growth,” Airlangga said at the Rawamangun Premier Post Office, Jakarta. He added that the government will ensure the disbursement of BLTS Kesra is completed before the year ends. The assistance worth Rp 900,000 for the October, November, and December 2025 period is targeted to be fully distributed by the close of the fiscal year. “Because this is a stimulant at the end of this year for 35 million beneficiary families and 75% has already been realised, so this will be completed by December,” Airlangga said. Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf previously revealed that the 2025 BLTS Kesra had been distributed to more than 28 million eligible beneficiary families. Distribution was carried out through Himbara and PT Pos Indonesia with a target of 35 million families. Meanwhile, 2.8 million families are still undergoing verification. Gus Ipul hopes this process can be completed soon so that BLTS distribution can be finalised before the end of 2025. “What we hope is that we will cut off on 17 December. So we will close the data update on 17 December. After that, the following day we together with PT Pos will carry out the final phase of distribution,” he said during a BLTS inspection at the Jatinegara Post Office. He stressed that the assistance must not be used to buy cigarettes, for motorcycle credit, or for online gambling. “Ladies and gentlemen, this assistance is certainly expected not to be misused. Use it for the most essential needs. Perhaps for school children’s needs or starting a business. Or for other things. Hopefully it will be beneficial,” he explained.