Jakarta, Sept. 23 -- The Indonesian government's proposed free bank account program for citizens aged 17 and above will not be launched this year, as authorities refine the operational framework to ensure the new accounts remain active, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said.

"We are still discussing it this year," Airlangga said in Jakarta on Wednesday.

The Indonesian minister said the government is preparing a budget of around Rp3.8 trillion (US$213.48 million) to provide an initial balance of Rp50,000 (US$2.81) for every eligible citizen aged 17 and above.

"We want to review with the Finance Minister what kind of follow-up programs are appropriate. We know that existing social assistance is typically prov...