Gov’t Extends Social Assistance Program to December

Info graphic of the total realization of Aspiring Family Program (PKH), and Staple Food Card. (Photo by: Ministry of Finance)

The Government has announced it will extend the period of social assistance programs until December this year.

According to Minister of Finance Sri Mulyani Indrawati, the programs aim at supporting the people and improving their purchasing power which has waned due to layoffs during the pandemic and the decline in economic activities at the grassroot level.

“The programs that has a total budget of Rp178.9 trillion cover the Aspiring Family Program (PKH), Staple Food Card, electricity tariff discount, social assistance for Greater Jakarta area, social assistance for areas outside Greater Jakarta, Cash Transfer Assistance to Villages, and Pre-employment Card,” the Minister said in a press statement after a limited meeting on Wednesday (3/6).

The Minister went on to say that social assistance for Greater Jakarta and non-Greater Jakarta areas which were distributed in a form or staple food packages will be changed into cash transfer.

“The social assistance programs will be extended until December; however, the amount given to each beneficiary will be cut from Rp600,000 to Rp300,000 per month in July to December,” she said, adding that the cash will be transferred to the accounts of beneficiaries which are recorded at the database of Ministry of Social Affairs and regional governments.

As for Cash Transfer Assistance to Villages, she added, the program with a total budget of Rp31.8 trillion will be extended until September; however, the amount will also be cut from Rp600,000 to Rp300,000 per month in July to September.

“The total budget allocated for social assistance for Greater Jakarta area amounts to Rp32.4 trillion, while for areas outside Greater Jakarta, it amounts to Rp6.8 trillion,” she stated.

Based on the integrated database, the bulk of the recipients of social assistance program are farmers, livestock breeders, and growers (18.4 million people).

“In addition, there are also 4.2 millions of vendors and private sector workers, 3.4 millions of construction workers, 3.3 millions of factory workers, 1.3 millions of drivers and workers in communication sector, and 900,000 fishermen who are also listed as the recipients of the programs,” the Minister said. (TGH/EN)

Translated by : Rany Anjany
Reviewed by: M. Ersan Pamungkas