Gov’t to Disburse Social Assistance Next Year to Improve Purchasing Power

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo talks to Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung and Minister of State Secretary Pratikno before a Limited Cabinet Meeting at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Tuesday (29/12). Photo by: Press Bureau of Presidential Secretariat/Rusman)

The Indonesian Government has announced it will start distributing social assistance to beneficiaries early next year.

“This morning we will discuss preparation for the distribution of social assistance in 2021,” President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has said in his remarks during a Limited Cabinet Meeting at the Merdeka Palace, Jakarta, Tuesday (29/12).

According to the President, the Government provides Rp110 trillion for social protection programs next year, including Rp45.1 trillion for staple food program (18.8 million beneficiary families), Rp28.7 trillion for family hope program (10 million beneficiary families), Rp12 trillion for cash social assistance (10 million beneficiary families), Rp10 trillion for pre-employment card program, Rp14.4 trillion for village direct cash assistance, and Rp3.78 trillion for electricity discount program.

President Jokowi also stated that the social assistance will be distributed immediately in January and is expected to generate economic growth.

“We must start (the distribution) in January because it is important for the leverage of the economy, people’s purchasing power, and household consumption,” the President said, adding he had ordered that staple food social assistance, especially in greater Jakarta area, be converted into the cash assistance.

The social assistance must also be well-targeted and must be integrated with the banking system, the President added. (BPMI/UN) (RI/EP)