VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Feb. 9 -  President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) confirmed that the government had readied five thousand doses of the COVID-19 vaccine to be given to media crew members at the end of February 2021 until early March of 2021.

"Later, out of PT Bio Farma Persero’s (as many as) 12 million doses, we will give five thousand doses to the media crew," the Indonesian president stated during the commemoration of 2021 National Press Day at the State Palace, Jakarta, on Tuesday.

The head of state highlighted the government’s current focus on vaccinating health workers for COVID-19 followed by the inoculation of community service officers.

The president admitted to the myriad challenges that media workers face during the COVID-19 pandemic, right from health risks to their welfare.

Widodo spoke of the government having prepared several incentives to placate the burden on the media industry during the COVID-19 pandemic, including an exemption from income tax payment (PPh 21) valid until June 2021 for media crew members.

President Jokowi has urged Finance Minister Sri Mulyani to oversee the realization of fiscal incentives for the media industry.

"For the media industry, the reduction in corporate income taxes (PPh badan) and exemption of import income tax (PPh import), as well as the acceleration of restitution and incentives, is also valid until June 2021. The incentives given to other industries are also offered to the media industry, including the exemption of electricity subscription," the president noted.

The head of state expressed gratitude to members of the press for maintaining the hopes and optimism of the community amid the tough times arising due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Helping the government to educate the public and helping people to get correct and precise information," he stated. (Antaranews)