The Ministry of Finance has directed funding of Rp3.3 trillion to the National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) to handle the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. As quoted by Antara News Agency, the Ministry's Director General for Budget, Askolani, confirmed that the funding is part of the budget amounting to Rp75 trillion provided by the government through Government Regulation in Lieu of Law (Perppu) No. 1 of 2020. During an online press conference in Jakarta on Wednesday
Askolani stated the Ministry of Finance has channeled some initial funding of some Rp3.3 trillion to the BNPB to be utilized in the near future for handling the COVID-19 pandemic. Askolani explained that the BNPB will utilize the funds to cater to requirements in the health service sector, including for establishment of hospital facilities and infrastructure, provision of medical equipment, human resources, as well as a precautionary measure to cater to subsequent needs//Ant