The cash assistance program is expected to have a catalytic effect in driving the national economy.
"Assistance under the Family Hope Program (PKH) is distributed in four stages through state-owned banks. Assistance through the basic food program will be offered from January to December 2021. The social affairs minister conveyed that Rp200 thousand worth of staple foods will be offered per household per month. Cash social assistance valued at Rp300 thousand per month per household is being given for the four months of January, February, March, and April," President Jokowi stated at the launch of the Indonesian Cash Aid at the State Palace in Jakarta on Monday.
President Jokowi is upbeat about this assistance placating the burden of the families impacted by COVID-19.
Moreover, it is expected to help drive economic revival and leverage the national economy.
"The assistance can strengthen the people's purchasing power. Hence, we are optimistic that the national economic growth would increase and become better," he stated.
The president specifically advised recipients to utilize this assistance optimally.
"Those receiving the assistance of staple foods should not use it to buy cigarettes. The assistance worth Rp200 thousand should be channeled specifically to buy staple foods to meet basic and family requirements," he remarked.
The head of state also emphasized that the aid was guaranteed in its entirety without any cuts.
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EDITED BY INE
Translator: Hanni Sofia, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
