THR, Oasis for Middle Class Workers on Holidays

Almost nothing is left of the holiday allowance (THR) that Larika (29) received in the last two years. In the first year, IDR 1.1 million was used to play online gambling. In the second year, he had to pay his grocery credit bill.

"Money disappears without a trace," said Larika, an employee at a retail company in Palangkaraya, Central Kalimantan, on Thursday (21/3/2024).

Also read: THR Don't Become a Sweet Promise Ahead of Hari Raya

This year, he doesn't want the same incident to happen again. The plan is that this year's THR money will be a turning point for change. Most of it will be used for matrimonial capital. However, it could be that desire finds a big wall. Until now, he still has difficulty giving up the habit of playing online gambling.

That Thursday afternoon, for example, he lost again. Larika lost IDR 150,000. His fellow online gambling enthusiasts weren't much help. "Calm down, THR will be coming soon," they shouted.

Larika's online gambling addiction is clearly an anomaly in managing finances wisely. Despite his mediocre income, IDR 1.8 million per month, he still satisfies his lust for games that only end in defeat. THR, which should be a hope, ends up just being money that just passes by without meaning.

Financial planning

Financial observer from Palangka Raya University, Dicky Perwira Ompusunggu, explained that THR is a right of workers that must be paid by the company. However, workers, especially the middle class with incomes not far from the minimum wage in their area, are required to be wise so that THR can be truly beneficial.

Referring to the World Bank report entitled "Aspiring Indonesian-Expanding the Middle Class" released in January 2020, one in five Indonesians belong to the middle class. This middle class is growing faster than other groups.

By population, their number reaches 52 million people or 20 percent of the total population. The number of Indonesia's middle class has increased significantly with the decrease in poverty levels in the last two decades.

Post-holiday evaluation is important to see how far the plans made have been executed. This evaluation can identify gaps that should be covered next year so that each year can be better than the last. (Dicky Perwira Ompusunggu)

Therefore, Dicky invited them to prepare financial planning. It contains a list of needs that are main priorities. If you have difficulties, many financial applications can help you when planning.

The lecturer at the Faculty of Economics and Business suggested that middle class workers should also not be embarrassed about using facilities or "promotions" from the state. He gave the example of free homecoming and basic necessities. The goal is that THR can be maximized for important needs.

"If you want to shop, it still has to be according to your needs," he said.

The remainder of the THR (holiday allowance), according to Dicky, is better to be invested. Investment comes in various forms. However, he suggests investing in gold. "The value of gold will be higher than buying a car or clothes," he said.

The next tip, he said, is evaluation. Post-holiday evaluation is important to see how far the plans made have been executed.

"This evaluation can identify gaps that should have been covered in the following year so that it can be significantly improved year after year," said Dicky.

Investment

Although they don't know each other personally, the advice from Dicky has been somewhat followed by Noviyanti (27), a resident of Pahandut, Palangkaraya City. She works for a distribution company and is based in a warehouse for storing goods.

Every month, he still receives a salary slightly below the minimum wage of Palangkaraya City. The minimum wage in Palangkaraya City is Rp 3.2 million.

However, in spite of the limitations, Noviyanti is quite meticulous in managing her finances. Every month, she divides her income into savings and monthly expenses. As she still lives with her parents, she is able to save more. She applies the same practice whenever she receives her holiday bonus.

Every year, he invests his money in stocks. Noviyanti, who graduated majoring in accounting from Palangka Raya University, has learned about savings, income, and even stocks since he was in college. THR, according to Noviyanti, greatly helps him in preparing the best financial plan. (Note: no forbidden words found in this article)

"Learning from YouTube too," Noviyanti stated, who claimed to have enough money from several of her financial plans.

However, it is not necessary to have a college degree in order to manage finances. Yon (22), for example, only graduated from junior high school in Manggarai, East Nusa Tenggara. However, Yon, who now works as a palm oil laborer in Central Kalimantan with a payment of IDR 1.7 million per month, learns little by little about how to save income.

Every payday, Yon regularly sends money to his hometown to cover the living expenses of his wife and children. In the foreign land, he chooses to be frugal. He admits to seldom indulging in snacks and is content with the rice provided by the company, fishing in the rivers, and foraging for wild vegetables. "Occasionally, when I feel like it, I buy chicken and cook it myself. By doing so, I am able to save my income," Yon said.

As the upcoming holiday approaches, it is likely that he will receive extra money. For the first time, he has been promised a THR. Although he is unsure of the exact amount he will receive, he already has plans for it.

"If I get it, I will send it to my wife in Flores so that we can save for urgent needs," said Yon.

It's no longer the time when holiday bonuses are solely used as a means to fulfill various wishes during special occasions. Nowadays, with proper utilization, holiday bonuses can also ensure financial security for the future.

See also: Not only ASN, the President and Vice President also get THR, how much?