Gov’t Strengthens Social Safety Net Programs in Villages

President Jokowi delivers remarks during a virtual Limited Cabinet Meeting on Acceleration of Village Economic Development, Thursday (24/9) in Jakarta. Photo by: Ibrahim/PR.

All social safety net programs must be well-targeted, effectively implemented, and distributed to the people in villages affected by COVID-19 pandemic, according to President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo

“By the same token, the implementation of cash for work in villages must be monitored so that it can reduce the burden on village communities who have lost their jobs, have difficulty in getting jobs, or come from low-income families,” the President said during a virtual Limited Cabinet Meeting on Acceleration of Village Economic Development, Thursday (24/9) in Jakarta.

The President also said that the pandemic must become an opportunity to reinstall, improve, and implement reforms on the grand strategy in transforming village economy.

President Jokowi stated that the pandemic hits not only all communities in urban areas but also those in rural areas.

“When an economic crisis occurs in urban areas, the village becomes a buffer, due to the migration from cities to villages. It is not urbanization, it is deurbanization,” the President said. (FID/EN)

Translated by: Ridwan Ibadurrohman
Reviewed by: Mia Medyana