"Today, at the start of 2021, I personally launch the cash assistance program throughout Indonesia. Once again, it is for the Family Hope Program, Basic Food Program, and Social Assistance Program," the head of state noted.
Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy, Social Minister Tri Rismaharini, State Enterprises (BUMN) Minister Erick Thohir, and Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung were attendees at the launch ceremony.
Aid distribution in the country's 34 provinces was also conducted simultaneously by the governors.
"In 2021, we will continue the distribution of social assistance. In the 2021 State Budget, the government has allocated a budget of Rp110 trillion for all recipients from Sabang to Merauke and from Miangas to Rote Island," the president remarked.
President Jokowi expounded that the aid was disbursed to assist the public to tackle the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including to boost their purchasing power.
Related news: 15 million MSMEs to get Rp2.4 mln cash aid each
Minister Rismaharini later elaborated on the three forms of social assistance distributed: the Family Hope Program (PKH), Basic Food Program, and Cash Social Assistance (BST) Program.
The PKH is targeted for 10 million beneficiary families (KPM), with a budget totaling Rp28.7 trillion, covering pregnant women, those in the early childhood years, school children, people with disabilities, and the elderly.
The Staple Food Program, or non-cash food assistance, is targeting 18.8 million KPM, with a total budget of Rp45.12 trillion.
Each beneficiary will receive Rp200 thousand, and the funds will be distributed from January to December 2021.
The BST Program will target 10 million KPM set to receive Rp300 thousand in cash each for four consecutive months, during the period from January to April 2021. Related news: Govt optimisitic over non-cash food aid distribution to 10 million families
Translator: Desca LN, Fardah
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
