Gov’t to Provide Cash Assistance for Fishermen, Farmers

Minister of Social Affairs delivers statement in a press conference after Limited Cabinet Meeting, Thursday (28/5). Photo by: PR/Ibrahim

In line with the President’s directives, the Government will provide cash assistance for fishermen and farmers, Minister of Social Affairs Juliari P. Batubara has said.

“In accordance with our responsibility, Ministry of Social Affairs has been instructed to coordinate with Ministry of Agriculture and Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries regarding social assistance programs,” the Minister said after a Limited Cabinet Meeting, Thursday (28/5).

Juliari said that Minister of Agriculture and Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries have stated that there are approximately 2.7 million farmers and 1.1 million fishermen who need Government intervention.

“The intervention can be in the form of social assistance or economic recovery scheme,” Juliari explained, adding that in the Government stimulus package, Ministry of Finance has provided budget for social assistance programs and budget for economic recovery programs.

Juliari went on to say that he would synchronize the data with the Integrated Social Welfare Data (DTKS), to find out whether the 2.7 million farmers and 1.17 million fishermen have been listed in the DTKS or not.

The Minister stated that, as of today, there are approximately 10.825 million households whose jobs are in agriculture, plantation and fisheries sectors listed in DTKS data.

Juliari also said that some of the 2.7 million farmers and 1.17 million fishermen will be included in the Family Hope Program (PKH) and Non-Cash Food Assistance (BPNT) after the approval of Minister of Agriculture and Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries.

“We have also communicated with Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries to involve fishermen or fishermen cooperatives in the program,” the Minister said.

Juliari also said that Ministry of Social Affairs, Minister of Agriculture and Minister of Marine Affairs and Fisheries would follow up the policy with technical meetings.

“In principle, Ministry of Social Affairs will back-up the two Ministries in accordance with our duties and functions as organizers of social welfare programs,” the Minister concluded. (MAY/EN)

Translated by: Ridwan Ibadurrohman
Reviewed by: Mia Medyana