Gov’t to Review Social Assistance Programs, Update Data on Low-Income Family

Minister of Social Affairs answers questions from reporters after attending a Limited Meeting at the Presidential Office, Jakarta, Wednesday (4/3). (Photo: Jay/PR)

The Government will review cashless social assistance program and update data on low-income family, Minister of Social Affairs Juliari P. Batubara has said.

There are three major Indonesia’s welfare programs in the form of cashless card, namely Family Hope Program (PKH), Non-Cash Food Assistance (BPNT) or Nine Staple Foods Program, and Smart Indonesia Program (PIP).

“Moreover, the Government will also review other social assistances in the form of subsidy, such as subsidy for electricity and fertilizer,” Juliari said.

He went on to say that President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo wished to review the impact of those social assistance programs since those programs have spent huge amount of State Budget—more than the nation’s social assistance in cash form.

The President also ordered his administration to coordinate in updating data on low-income families so it can be more accurate and up-to-date.
Regarding the possibility to increase the amount of social assistance for staples in the wake of Corona virus, Juliara explained that the decision will be made later based on the next economic survey released by the Statistics Agency (BPS).

“Actually the amount of staples assistance has just increased from Rp150,000 to Rp200,000 starting 1 March 2020 until August 2020,” Juliari said, adding that that amount may change later after August depends on the President’s decision. (FID/EN)

Translated by: Estu Widyamurti
Reviewed by: Mia Medyana