Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia at the Inspection of Kanoman Market in Cirebon City, West Java Province to Distribute Social Assistance, April 13, 2022

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

This morning I visited Cirebon city in West Java province to distribute assistances. Firstly, [we] distributed Direct Cash Assistance (BLT) for cooking oil to street vendors and beneficiaries of the Family Hope Program (PKH). Secondly, [we] also distributed assistance for additional business capital amounting to Rp1.2 million (each beneficiary) to vendors.

As COVID-19 pandemic situation improves, they [the vendors] now return to the market so that they needed assistance to restart their business. We have distributed it.

It is our hope that by distributing the BLT including business capital assistance, people’s purchasing power can improve.

Journalist

How is the current economic situation [in Indonesia] as COVID-19 situation improves, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

If we notice the situation at the markets, they are getting crowded. Very crowded. Ahead of Eid, people’s purchasing power increases so that business capital for vendors is needed in order to provide more stocks of products.

Moreover, traffic congestion happens in almost all cities. It shows that the mobility increases, economy starts to drift, economic turnover improves, especially in tourism sector.

Journalist

Does COVID-19 pandemic situation [in Indonesia] really improve? How about the handling of COVID-19 pandemic, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)

Based on the number of COVID-19 cases, we can see that the number of cases has lowered.

Journalist

Thank you, Mr. President. (AP/LW)