Press Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia during Social Assistance Distribution to Market Vendors at Sukamandi Market, Subang Regency, West Java Province, July 12, 2022

Journalist
What is on the agenda today, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
First, we just handed over additional working capital for micro-enterprises, market vendors, and street vendors. The assistance is important for economic growth in the post-pandemic era. That is the goal. We also distributed cash assistance worth Rp1.2 million to beneficiaries of the Family Hope Program who run a home-based business.

Journalist
It was said earlier that something is insufficient or a bit much. If it was insufficient, would it be sourced from the state budget?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Yes, because we do not expect a decline in people’s purchasing power. A budget surplus from the state budget, taxes, non-tax state revenue (PNBP), and export levies should be allocated to the people at the grassroots level to increase the purchasing power.

Journalist
Does the additional refer to the number of recipients or the nominal?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
The nominal.

Journalist
Approximately, how much is the additional nominal, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
It has not been determined yet.

Journalist
Another thing, Sir. Regarding the replacement for the deceased Mr. Tjahjo. Has anyone been appointed as a candidate, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Not yet. Everything is still in progress. We are also waiting since it is still the mourning period.

Journalist
Yesterday, Mr. Zulkifli Hasan launched a campaign for the upcoming election during his working visit to a market. What are your views on this matter?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
I order them to stay focused on doing their jobs. For instance, Minister of Trade must continue to work on critical tasks that I have ordered, including how to lower the price of cooking oil to Rp14,000 per liter.

Visiting several markets in order to check the price. I also do the same thing, visiting several markets to check cooking oil, especially bulk cooking oil, not the one with premium packaging. We make sure that the price of bulk cooking oil stands at Rp14,000 or below. From several inspections to traditional markets, cooking oil in general costs at Rp14,000 per liter, except for several markets outside the island of Java.

Journalist
All ministers should do the same, not only the Trade Minister, right ?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
Ministers must stay focused on doing their tasks, particularly those working in the energy and food sectors. It is crucial. I will continue to guard matters related to fuel, energy for instance coal, and the like because the world is facing disruption in energy and food. Thus, we must stay focused on these two matters.

Journalist
Thank you, Mr. President.

(RIF/LW)