Economy of the Week: Loans via Kopdes to MBG Only on School Days

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Various economic events from the past week remain fresh and relevant to revisit this Sunday morning. From access to low-interest loans through Merah Putih Village/Urban Ward Cooperatives to the provision of Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) only on school days. Here is a summary of selected news: Cooperatives Minister: Loans at 6 Percent Interest via Kopdes to Combat Loan Sharks Cooperatives Minister Ferry Juliantono stated that access to low-interest loans at 6 percent per year offered by Merah Putih Village/Urban Ward Cooperatives is one effort to prevent the public from falling prey to loan sharks and online loans (pindar/pinjol). “Village Cooperatives, one of their activities is ultra-micro financing with low interest rates, which serves as an alternative for the public so they do not get trapped in loan shark practices, online loans, and the like,” said Minister Ferry when met in Jakarta on Monday. Government Officially Implements WFH for Civil Servants Every Friday The government has officially implemented a work-from-home (WFH) policy for civil servants (ASN) every Friday. Coordinating Minister for the Economy Airlangga Hartarto said the policy will take effect starting 1 April 2026 and will be evaluated after two months of implementation. IDX Officially Raises Minimum Stock Free Float to 15 Percent PT Indonesia Stock Exchange (IDX) has officially adjusted the definition of stock free float and raised the minimum free float threshold to remain listed on the exchange to 15 percent of the total listed shares. In addition, IDX has also changed the free float requirements for initial listings to be based on market capitalisation with a new tiering of 15 percent, 20 percent, and 25 percent of the shares to be listed. Finance Minister Purbaya: Pertamina to Bear Non-Subsidised Fuel Price Difference Temporarily Finance Minister Purbaya Yudhi Sadewa stated that Pertamina will temporarily bear the price difference for non-subsidised fuels while prices are not adjusted amid surges in global oil prices. “For now, it seems Pertamina will handle it. Temporarily, yes,” Purbaya said when met at Wisma Danantara Indonesia in Jakarta on Wednesday. Government Decides to Provide MBG Only During School Days The government has decided to provide Free Nutritious Meals (MBG) only on days when students attend school, or not during holidays. This follows a cross-ministerial/institutional evaluation presented in a limited coordination meeting at the Coordinating Ministry for Food Affairs in Jakarta on Thursday.