Use Aspiring Family Program to Improve Children’s Health and Education: President Jokowi

President Jokowi engages in conversation with recipients of PKH, at Graha Insan Cita Bakti Jaya, Sukmajaya, Depok, West Java, Tuesday (12/2). (Photo by : Oji/PR Division)

The Government provides Aspiring Family Program (PKH) and Non-Cash Food Assistance (BPNT) in order to support parents and families in improving their children’s education, according to President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo.

“Remember that the money received from PKH should be used for school necessities. You can use to buy books, shoes, bags, school uniforms, and to pay tuition, but don’t use it to buy clothes and jewelry,” President Jokowi said when distributing PKH and BPNT at Graha Insan Cita Bakti Jaya, Sukmajaya, Depok, West Java, Tuesday (12/2).

The President added that this program initially aimed to fund education-related necessities and children’s nutritional requirements. Therefore, he asked the parents receiving PKH to pay attention to the health and education of their children and to make sure their children get the best education possible since it is the duty of parents toward their children. President Jokowi also reminded the parents to spend the money to nourish pregnant women and infants to help future generation grow up healthy and smart.

For the record, the Government has allocated Rp34 trillion from the State Budget for the PKH this year, or double it from Rp19 trillion in 2018 since the BPNT program shows a high level of satisfaction.

On that occasion, President Jokowi told people attending the event that he was born and raised in a small house in riverbank area. The house was demolished in the 1970s so he had to live in his mother’s siblings’ home for 2 years. “Have you had your home demolished? I hope no one will experience it. It breaks my heart every time I remember it,” he said.

However, the President said he was grateful because his parents who had also lived in riverbank area worked so hard to make ends meet, to give him the best education, and to raise him well. “Do not be afraid of wanting your children to become a minister or president because it could become a reality,” he said.

The President also expressed belief that if children are raised well, get good education and nutritional requirements, they will be smart and be bright children. “You can dream big,” the President stated. (FID/OJI/ES)

Translated by : Rany Anjany Subachrum
Edited by : Mia Medyana
Proofread by : M. Ersan Pamungkas