Analyst urges government to consistently hold programmes like People's Bazaar
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Political communication analyst Hendri Satrio has urged the government to consistently organise programmes for the lower classes and middle class, such as the People’s Bazaar at the National Monument (Monas) in Jakarta on Saturday (28/3), to reduce the burden on society.
“The economic pressure on the public can decrease gradually. It is hoped that the burden on the public will lessen so that they can live more happily,” said Hensa, his familiar nickname, in a statement in Jakarta on Monday.
In his statement, he also responded to the statement by Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya regarding the budget for the People’s Bazaar, which emphasised “the budget is there anyway.”
According to Hensa, this principle should actually be applied more broadly to various government programmes targeting the lower classes.
“It’s good if it’s for the lower classes, as long as the budget is there. The government should frequently hold events like this, involving ordinary people,” he said.
Nevertheless, Hensa also provided notes. He appreciated the government’s budget commitment but stressed that the availability of funds alone is not sufficient.
“Appreciation if the programme activities always have budgets, but it would be very good if the placement of budget allocation is also clear and precise,” he said.
He encouraged the government to go beyond consumptive aid and start prioritising structural advancement for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
“For example, it’s not just giving ‘fish’, but the ‘fishing rod’. Programmes also need to be created that prioritise MSMEs becoming more advanced,” he explained.
He also extended the spirit of “the budget is there anyway” to several government priority programmes, from the Free Nutritious Meals (MBG), MSME support to People’s Schools. Hensa urged that the budget commitment be maintained consistently and on target.
“From MBG, ‘the budget is there anyway’. MSMEs, ‘the budget is there anyway’. People’s Schools, ‘the budget is there anyway’. Anyway, if it’s for the people, the budget is there,” said Hensa.
Previously, Cabinet Secretary Teddy stated that President Prabowo Subianto wants as many citizens as possible to celebrate Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijriah in an atmosphere of togetherness through a bazaar and people’s entertainment held in the Monas area, Jakarta, on Saturday (28/3).
Teddy explained that the activity is part of the government’s efforts to bring Eid happiness to the wider community, especially Jakarta residents who do not go home or have returned from their hometowns, particularly beneficiary families.
The government prepared 100,000 shopping vouchers for groceries and free goods worth Rp500,000 per voucher as well as 300,000 portions of free food served by around 800 street vendor MSMEs involved in the activity.