Government Assistance to Mass Media Companies Continues until June

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo on Tuesday expressed concern about the challenges faced by the media during the Covid-19 pandemic. 

"I know the press industry is also facing problems, just like other companies in the private sector, who are also experiencing financial difficulties," Jokowi said in a televised address to commemorate the National Press Day on February 9.  

Therefore, he said, the government has extended tax incentives to ease the burden on the media industry in countering the economic impact of the coronavirus.

Also read: President Jokowi Pays Tribute to Indonesian Media Icon Jakob Oetama

The income tax (PPH) of the workers at the mass media companies, he said, will be borne by the government.   

"It means that income taxes will be borne by the government and will be valid until June 2021. Please follow this up to the Minister of Finance," said Jokowi.

"There is also a cut in corporate income tax, an exemption of import tax, and acceleration of restitution. These incentives will be valid until June 2021," he added.

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The incentives given to other industries are also granted to the mass media companies by extending a relaxation on subscription fees on electricity bills. 

Jokowi said the assistance provided for the media industry may not be significant as the country is currently facing a heavy fiscal burden.

5,000 workers in mass media companies to get vaccines 

Jokowi said that workers at the mass media companies would be receiving the Covid-19 jab at the end of February. 

Also read: Indonesia Finalizes Purchase of 50 Million Doses of Covid-19 Vaccine from Pfizer

"Later, as soon as 12 million doses of vaccine from Bio Farma are ready to be used, we will provide 5,000 doses of vaccine for the workers of the mass media companies", said Jokowi.

"I am sure there are many media people who want to be vaccinated. Later, at the end of February to early March, we will prepare the vaccines for them," said Jokowi. 

State-owned pharmaceutical company PT Bio Farma will produce 12 million doses of the Covid-19 bulk vaccine from China's Sinovac, which is scheduled to be completed on February 11.

(Writers: Dian Erika Nugraheny, Fitria Chusna Farisa | Editors: Bayu Galih, Krisiandi)

Sources: https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2021/02/09/12251171/jokowi-sebut-rangkaian-program-bantuan-untuk-media-masih-berlaku-hingga-juni

https://nasional.kompas.com/read/2021/02/09/11505621/jokowi-sebut-5000-awak-media-divaksinasi-covid-19-mulai-akhir-februari