President Jokowi Tells Ministers, Governors to Oversee Social Assistance Distribution

President Jokowi launches 2021 Cash Assistance throughout Indonesia, Monday (4/1), at the State Palace, Jakarta. (Photo: Jay/PR)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo has called on his Cabinet and governors to oversee the distribution of social assistance so that it can be well-targeted.

“I have ordered ministers and governors to oversee the distribution process so that it is fast and well-targeted,” the President said during the launching of cash assistance throughout Indonesia Year for 2021, Monday (4/1) at the State Palace, Jakarta.

The President also pointed out that the amount of social assistances was given in a whole without any deductions.

“Do tell all recipients that the amount of assistance they will receive is in full because it is sent directly to them through state-owned banks or the post office,” he said.

On that occasion, the President also advised recipients of social assistance to use the assistance appropriately according to Ministry of Social Affairs guidelines.

“Do not use it to buy cigarettes. Use it to buy staple foods instead to reduce the burden on your family during this pandemic. Meet basic needs and food for the family must be prioritized,” he said.

For the record, there are three types of assistance, namely the Family Hope Program (PKH), Non-Cash Food Assistance (BPNT) / Staple Food Program, and Cash Social Assistance (BST).

“In 2021, we will continue the distribution of social assistance. We will start the program today by distributing it to 34 provinces,” the President said, adding that the Government has prepared a budget of Rp110 trillion for recipients from all over Indonesia in the 2021 State Budget.

“The Government hopes that the assistance can ease the burden of the families affected by the pandemic and can also be a trigger to leverage our national economy and to strengthen people’s purchasing power so that the national economic can increase,” he said.

The Head of State went on to explain that the distribution is carried out at the beginning of this year on purpose to give direct impact on the people’s economy.

“So that the economic impact can be felt immediately, which in the end will boost our economic growth,” he said.

The President further said that the Family Hope Program will be distributed in four stages through the state-owned banks, while the Staple Food Program amounting to Rp200,000 per family per month will be distributed from January to December.

As for the Cash Assistance, it will be distributed for four months from January to April amounting to Rp300,000 per month per family. (TGH/UN) (EST/EP)