Statement of President of the Republic of Indonesia during Distribution of Fuel Cash Assistance, Tanimbar Islands Regency, Maluku Province, September 2, 2022

Journalist
Today we had a distribution ceremony of fuel cash assistance. Does it mean that [the Government] will increase the fuel price, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
We handed over fuel cash assistance of Rp600.000 for four months and we disbursed it two months in advance. The assistance has been distributed in Tanimbar Islands regency, Maluku province, in Saumlaki. We hope fuel cash assistance will maintain the purchasing power of the people. Regarding [the price] of fuel, everything is under consideration and today I will receive the calculation on this matter.

Journalist
The people were very enthusiastic in welcoming you. What do you think? Is it true that the last President’s visit [to this region] was back in 1958, Sir?

President of the Republic of Indonesia (Joko Widodo)
It has been a long while since [leaders] from Jakarta visited Saumlaki, Tanimbar Islands. It has been more than 50 years. The people were so eager to meet their leader.

Journalist
Thank you, Sir.

(RI/EP)