Gov’t to Launch Social Assistance Program to Reduce “Mudik” Travelers

Minister of Social Affairs delivers statement in a press conference after an online Limited Cabinet Meeting, Thursday (2/4).Photo by: PR/Ibrahim

Minister of Social Affairs Juliari P. Batubara said that President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has instructed Cabinet Ministers to provide social assistance program to reduce movement of people from Jakarta to other regions during mudik season (annual exodus ahead of Eid al-Fitr celebration).

“It has been decided that a special social assistance program would be provided for Jakarta residents in order to reduce the movement of people to other regions,” the Minister said in a press conference after an online Limited Cabinet Meeting, Tuesday (2/4).

Juliari went on to say that the program should be meticulously designed to avoid overlap with the existing programs, including the Aspiring Family Program (PKH), the Staple Food Card Program, the upcoming Pre-Employment Card Program and some incentives for business sector.

The Program, he added, should be provided for those most affected (by the COVID-19 outbreak), especially daily workers and informal workers.

“I think the President’s instruction is clear. He instructed us to provide special social assistance program in Jakarta and the program should be ready no later than next two weeks,” the Minister said.

Juliari said that he will work with Coordinating Minister for the Economy, Minister of Home Affairs, Minister of Finance, and Coordinating Minister for Maritime Affairs and Investment (as Minister of Transportation Ad Interim) to decide the amount of allowance and mechanism of the Program.

“The Government will ensure that the movement of the people will be reduced as much as possible and those who chose to stay can overcome the economic pressures,” the Minister added.

Juliari further said that the Government is seeking to ensure that the beneficiaries of the Program will not go to their hometown during mudik season.

“It is indeed not easy to guarantee that 100% (of the beneficiaries will not go to their hometown)  but for this program, we do hope that the beneficiaries will stay,” he said, adding that he will discuss more detailed mechanism with Ministry of Transportation and Provincial Government of the Special Capital Region of Jakarta. (FID/EN)

Translated by: Ridwan Ibadurrohman
Reviewed by: Yuyu Mulyani