Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia Prior to the Disbursement of El Nino Direct Cash Assistance at Manado Post Office, Manado City, North Sulawesi Province, December 28, 2023

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

I have conducted inspection at several locations to ensure the distribution of El Nino Direct Cash Assistance (BLT El Nino). I noticed that the distribution ran well. All beneficiaries have secured the assistance. I have also ensured the disbursement of government rice reserve food assistance amounting to 10 kilograms per beneficiary from September, October, November, December (2023). All beneficiaries have secured them. I noticed that the distribution also ran well.

Reporter

Mr. President, there is a price hike of black pepper. Do you have any solution?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Pardon?

Reporter

Prices of black pepper, chili have significantly increased, Sir. Do you have any solution?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

The prices are fluctuating. For the example, chili will be rotten if it is planted during rainy season. Thus, the farmers produce chili during a certain season in a year. But I have also checked chili price in Java island has dropped. It costs Rp75,000 per kilo. In several regions the price is still at Rp100,000 per kilo. The price is fluctuating in every region.

Reporter

Related to the disbursement of direct cast assistance, there are two interesting issues, Sir. First, the allocation. Second, the process. Do you have any direct instruction to…..?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Once again, I have also checked the distribution through banks and other post offices. All the distribution ran smoothly.

Reporter

Thank you, Mr. President.

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

That’s why I also check the process.

Reporter

Okay, thank you, Sir.

(AP/EP)