Government Prepares Semester II Stimulus Package to Protect Public Purchasing Power

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Head of the Government Communication Body (Bakom RI), Muhammad Qodari, stated that the economic stimulus package to be launched in the second semester of 2026 is a direct directive from President Prabowo Subianto to maintain public purchasing power amidst global challenges.

Qodari said the stimulus is part of the government’s efforts to boost domestic consumption and ultimately support economic growth in the second half of this year.

“All of these stimulus measures are a direct directive from President Prabowo to maintain public purchasing power, encourage domestic consumption, and protect the public from the impacts of global uncertainty,” Qodari said in a statement on Monday.

He detailed several stimulus measures for the public in the second semester of this year. Firstly, the government will provide a 30 percent discount on train and Pelni ship fares during the school holiday period and the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Additionally, the government will offer other incentives, such as the exemption of port service fees for ferry transport and Government-borne Value Added Tax (PPN DTP) for air transport during the same period.

“This incentive is expected to encourage public mobility while creating a multiplier effect for the economy,” Qodari said.

Secondly, the government will provide food aid to 33.24 million beneficiaries during the July to September period to protect vulnerable groups from staple food price fluctuations.

Thirdly, the government will open a national internship programme for 150,000 university graduates, vocational training for 220,000 high school and vocational school graduates, and support for 50,000 workers affected by layoffs. This programme aims to enhance competencies and expand job opportunities.

Qodari explained that support is also being provided to the business sector through a 0 percent import duty facility on LPG imports for the petrochemical industry and plastic raw material imports.

Furthermore, the government is supporting creative industry players through a special Final Income Tax (PPh Final) rate of 1.5 percent for writers.

“The government will continue to oversee the implementation of all these policies to ensure they proceed as planned, are well-targeted, and provide tangible benefits for all levels of society,” Qodari said.