Introductory Remarks of President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Launching of National Cash Assistance Programs for 2021, Monday, 4 January 2021 at the State Palace, Jakarta

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

Assalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh;

Good afternoon;

May peace be upon us all;

Om Swastiastu;

Namo Buddhaya;

Greeting of virtue.

Distinguished Indonesian Onward Cabinet Ministers,

Distinguished Governors from all across the country who join this occasion virtually,

Distinguished President Directors of State-owned Banks (Himbara), Director of state-owned postal company PT Pos Indonesia,

Distinguished beneficiaries of the Aspiring Family Program (PKH), Staple Food Card, and Social-cash Assistance,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

We carry on the distribution of social assistance programs in 2021. We have also allocated Rp110 trillion in the 2021 State Budget for assistance programs that will be given to beneficiaries from Sabang to Merauke, from Miangas to Rote Island to ease the burden of those affected by COVID-19 pandemic. Starting today, the programs are disbursed to beneficiaries in 34 provinces

Today, at the beginning of 2021, I launch National Cash Assistance Programs , namely the Aspiring Family Program (PKH), Staple Food Card, and Social-cash Assistance to the beneficiaries.The social assistance will be disbursed to the public in phases. For the PKH, it will be disbursed in four phases through the Himbara banks, state-owned banks. While Staple Food Card program will be disbursed each month until December 2021, in which each beneficiary to receive Rp200,000/month. As for the Social-cash Assistance, each beneficiary will receive Rp300,000/month for four months (January, February, March, April).

We expect the social assistance to ease the burden of those affected by COVID-19 pandemic. We also expect the programs could stimulate national economy, strengthen people’s purchasing power, and increase economic growth.

To all beneficiaries, let me remind you to spend the cash for essential goods only, as said by Minister of Social Affairs. Use it to buy staple food, don’t use it to buy cigarettes. I particularly remind the men, don’t use it to buy cigarettes. Spend it on staple food to ease burden of families during the pandemic. Fulfilling basic necessities and food for family must come first.

I also need to tell you that all cash aid will be received in full, without any deductions. Disseminate this information to all beneficiaries that the cash will be disbursed directly to them through state-owned banks or state-owned postal company.

For that reason, I ordered Ministers and Governors to monitor the disbursement and ensure that it is carried out quickly, and right on target without any deductions. Therefore, it will bring positive impact to the economy and increase economic growth very soon and the people don’t have to wait for too long. (That’s why) the Government distributes the social assistance programs right after new year.

I conclude this. By saying bismillahirrahmanirrahim, I launch National Cash Assistance Programs for 2021.

Thank you.

Wassalamu’alaikum warahmatullahi wabarakatuh. (RAS/LW)