Family Hope Program Fund to Increase Twofold Next Year

President Jokowi takes a group photo with Family Hope Program recipients at East Jakarta Sports Hall, Jakarta, Monday (3/12). (Photo: AGUNG/PR)

The Indonesian Government decided to speed up the distribution of the Family Hope Program (PKH) funds in 2019. Usually the funds are disbursed in February, May, August and November, but next year the disbursement will  take place in January, April, July and October. In addition to that, according to President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, the amount will be doubled.

“The most important thing is the amount will increase twofold next year, from originally Rp 1,890,000,” said President Jokowi while attending the dissemination of 2019 Family Hope Program (PKH), at  East Jakarta Sports Hall, Jakarta, Monday (3/12).

As for the number of Beneficiary Families (KPM), President Jokowi said that next year it will be 10 million families, increasing from 6 million families this year.

Minister of Social Affairs Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita in his report said that the distribution of PKH funds nationally until 30 November 2018 had reached 96%.

PKH recipients in DKI Jakarta Province, according to Agus, are 66,000 families with a value of Rp 116 billion with a realization of 97%. PKH recipients in East Jakarta alone are around 17,500 families with a value of Rp 31 billion with a realization of 98%.

In accordance with the President’s instructions, continued the Minister, PKH funds in 2019 will be increased significantly from Rp 19.3 trillion to Rp 32.65 trillion. He added that the increase is in line with the rise of social assistance index on health, education and social welfare aspects.

Agus went on saying that there are two important policies from President Jokowi regarding the implementation of the PKH program. First, the increasing number of PKH family recipients which raises to 10 million families next year. Second, the increasing number of social assistance index.

“The Government is expected to reduce the poverty rate at around 8.5 to 9.5 percent in 2019,” Agus concluded. (FID/AGG/ES)

Translated by: Estu Widyamurti
Edited by: Mia Medyana