Gov’t Distributes PKH Allowance in Cimahi

President Jokowi hands over Aspiring Family Program (PKH) allowance to 2,500 Beneficiary Families (KPM) in Cimahi, West Java, Wednesday (29/1). Photo by: PR/Rahmat.

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has said that the Government provides higher allowance this year for families with young children and pregnant mothers.

“The most important thing for pregnant mothers is nutrition. The nutrition is also important for children under the age of five,” the President said during the distribution of Aspiring Family Program (PKH) allowance to 2,500 Beneficiary Families (KPM) in Cimahi, West Java, Wednesday (29/1).

“Healthy children will excel at school. Children with malnutrition or stunting will face difficulties at school,” the President said.

President Jokowi went on to say that nutrition is pivotal amidst tougher global competition. The nutrition, he added, will help children facing competition at school and at workplace in the future.

In addition to nutrition, according to the President, another important factor to improve children’s health is vaccination. “Our children should get vaccinated to protect them from diseases,” he said.

On that occasion, President Jokowi also said that PKH allowance can be used for buying school kit or for working capital to start business. The Government, he added, also provides other programs to empower families, including Smallholder Business Credit (KUR), Ultra Micro Credit (UMi), and Fostering the Economy of the Prosperous Family (Mekaar).

The President also reminded the recipients who have not received their allowance to contact their PKH facilitators.

The President expressed hope that the PKH recipients can improve their economic condition. “We hope that the PKH recipients will be financially self-sufficient. Minister of Social Afairs has previously said that there were 1.3 million PKH recipients who have “graduated” from the program last year,” the President said.

Also present during the event were, among others, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy, Minister of Social Affairs Juliari P Batubara, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, and West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil. (TGH/EN).

Translated by: Ridwan Ibadurrohman
Reviewed by: Yuyu Mulyani