"Electricity, fuel, and non-energy subsidies must be recalculated, so that they will reach the target," President said.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The basic assumptions in the draft 2016 state budget should be set realistically in line with the latest economic developments, stated President Joko Widodo (Jokowi).

"The basic macroeconomic assumptions should follow the latest economic developments. We want all of them to be set realistically," the president remarked while chairing a plenary cabinet session at the Presidential Office in the premises of the Presidential Palace here on Tuesday.

The cabinet meeting, which commenced at around 3 p.m. local time, discussed the amount of funds to be allocated in the draft 2016 state budget and the simplification of the social assistance fund program for 2016, among others.

At the meeting, which was also attended by Vice President Jusuf M. Kalla, President Jokowi called to give special attention to managing subsidy funds.

"Electricity, fuel, and non-energy subsidies must be recalculated, so that they will reach the target," he noted.

He also pointed out that the amount of funds transferred to regions, including budget allocations for villages, will be higher than that set aside for ministries and government institutions in 2016.

"Furthermore, we must exercise caution in conducting control on the field," he affirmed.

The president added that the distribution of the social assistance funds in 2016 will lay emphasis on the education, health, and poverty alleviation sectors.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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