Spend Money for Basic Needs, President Jokowi Tells BNPT Recipients

President Jokowi distributes PKH and BPNT social assistance in Cilacap Regency, Central Java province, Monday (25/2). (Photo: PR/Rahmat)

President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo reminded recipients of the Family Hope Program (PKH) and Non-Cash Food Assistance (BNPT) to spend the money for essential needs, such as for children education and nutrition.

“Good education and proper nutrition will make our children healthier and smarter,” President Jokowi said during the distribution of the PKH and the BNPT to 1,257 beneficiary families in Cilacap regency, Central Java province, Monday (25/2).

The President also reminded them to calculate, plan, and record the expenses carefully. “I suggest everyone to calculate and review every spending carefully to bring maximum benefits for the family,” he added.

For the record, the event was attended by 1,257 beneficiary families, consisting of 500 group leaders of PKH beneficiaries from 16 districts in Cilacap regency, 757 PKH beneficiaries from 3 districts namely Central Cilacap, North Cilacap and South Cilacap districts, as well as 243 human resources personnel of the PKH and the BPNT.

The PKH is the Government priority program with the aim to reduce poverty and inequality. In 2019 the amount – which was previously flat – was made ‘non-flat’ or different between one recipient to another, depending on the family needs for health, education and social welfare with a maximum number of up to 4 people per family.

The PKH Social Assistance Index in 2019 in detail is Permanent Assistance for every family/year (received 1x in Phase I) is Rp550,000 for PKH Regular and Rp1,000,000 for PKH Access.

Other than that, the components of assistance for every person/year (maximum 4 people per family) are Rp2,400,000 for pregnant women, Rp2,400,000 for early childhood children (0-6 years), Rp900,000 for elementary school children/equivalent, Rp1,500,000 for junior high school/equivalent, Rp2,000,000 for high school children/equivalent, Rp2,400,000 for elderly 60 years and above, and people with severe disabilities. (FID/EN)

Translated by: Estu Widyamurti
Edited by: Muhardi
Proofread by: M. Ersan Pamungkas