President Jokowi Distributes Cash Assistance in Pekalongan, C. Java Province

In a bid to boost people’s purchasing power amidst rising staple food prices due to droughts linked to climate change, President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo Wednesday (12/13) handed over El Nino direct cash assistance to beneficiaries at the Pekalongan Post Office, Central Java province.

“Due to prolonged heat, there has been a surge in the prices of basic necessities, especially rice. This assistance aims to alleviate the impacts,” the President said.

The President mentioned that the assistance is intended to be used for daily needs, including fulfilling nutritional requirements.

“What do you want to use it for? The focus is on proper nutrition for children and families,” he said during a dialogue with the beneficiaries.

In addition, the Head of State also ensured that the beneficiaries attending this event also receive the Government rice reserve (CBP) food assistance, which distribution begun in September 2023.

“Are you also receiving the 10 kilograms of rice every month? Have you received the December allocation? That should’ve been four times, including September, October, and November,” he said.

“We did,” answered the beneficiaries.

On that occasion, the President said that the Government would proceed with the assistance distribution in 2024, especially in January, February, and March, adding that similar assistance would also be provided for the following months.

“Well, if there are still funds in the State Budget, we plan to provide additional assistance in April, May, and June,” the President remarked. (BPMI of Presidential Secretariat/UN) (RIF/MMB)