Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has urged recipients of the Wage Subsidy Assistance (BSU) program to prioritize productive spending, emphasizing its role in supporting family needs. During a review of BSU distribution at a Mataram post office, Gibran highlighted the importance of using the funds for essential items like books and school supplies, especially with the new academic year commencing.
He issued a stern warning against the misuse of these funds,notably for online gambling,noting that the government can track such activities through the bank accounts linked to the aid disbursement. Gibran also appealed to fathers to refrain from spending the BSU money on cigarettes, encouraging them instead to allocate it towards their families’ basic necessities. “I hope this aid will be truly beneficial. And I would like to once again ask you to use the aid for productive activities,” gibran stated.
One beneficiary, Yayuk Sumarni, a saleswoman, shared her experience of receiving the assistance on July 28, 2025. She has already utilized half of the funds and expressed her hope for continued government initiatives supporting low-income workers.
The BSU program aims to provide Rp600,000 (over US$36) to 17.3 million workers earning less than Rp3.5 million (around US$211) per month, along with 565,000 honorarium-based teachers.This initiative is part of a broader economic stimulus package designed to bolster purchasing power amidst economic challenges. A total budget of Rp10.72 trillion (approximately US$645 million) has been allocated for the program, with the distribution period extended to August 6 to ensure accessibility for workers in remote areas.
