State-Owned Enterprises Minister Erick Thohir is optimistic that SOEs can realize the dividend payments target stated in the 2021 Draft State Budget of Rp26.1 trillion.

"God willing, this year's dividend (deposit) can be achieved as desired by the Minister of Finance," said Erick in a joint working meeting of the House of Representatives Commission VI, Wednesday (20/1).

The Covid-19 pandemic that occurred in early 2020 disrupted about 90% of state-owned companies' businesses. As a result, there have been cuts in capital expenditures (Capex), debt restructuring, and increased business continuity performance.

He appealed to all leaders in BUMN companies to continue working. Deputy Minister I Pahala N. Mansuri, who replaced Budi Gunadi Sadikin, can continue to improve SOEs' existence for the community in all sectors.

"What is no less important is that we put the best management in Indonesia in handling the pandemic," he said.

Compared with the 2020 State Budget, the dividend payment target of BUMN has been eroded by almost 50%, to be precise, 46.73%.

Based on the 2021 Financial Budget Statement, SOEs dividend payments decreased by around 46.73% to Rp26.1 trillion compared to Rp.43 trillion in the 2020 State Budget.