I instruct the ministers and governors to oversee this delivery so that it is fast, on target, and under supervision, [and] there is no deduction of any kind
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Indonesian President Joko Widodo has asked ministries and regional heads to ensure that all cash assistance is received by the community in full, without any deductions.



"I instruct the ministers and governors to oversee this delivery so that it is fast, on target, and under supervision, [and] there is no deduction of any kind," President Widodo said at the launch of a nationwide cash assistance program for 2021 from the State Palace in Jakarta on Monday.



Widodo asked all people receiving cash assistance to be aware that there will be no deduction at all in the distribution of the aid.



Aid channeling agencies such as state-owned banks that are members of the Association of State Banks (Himbara) and also PT Pos Indonesia will send the cash assistance to the public without any deductions, the President stressed.



The precise distribution of aid, intended by President Jokowi, is aimed at reviving people's purchasing power and restoring the national economy.



"The economic impact will appear immediately and improve our economy, and the people do not [have to] wait too long. Yesterday it was New Year's Day, and now we have launched this aid,” Widodo said.



The President on Monday launched the assistance for people across Indonesia through the Family Hope Program (PKH), the Basic Food Program, and Social Cash Assistance.



PKH assistance will be channeled in four stages through Himbara member banks first, then basic food program assistance of Rp200 thousand per household head per month will be provided from January to December, 2021. Next, cash social assistance of Rp300 thousand per head of family per month will be distributed for four months — January, February, March, and April -- this year.



"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 while launching the cash assistance program on Monday.



Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture, Muhadjir Effendy, Social Minister Tri Rismaharini, State Enterprises (BUMN) Minister, Erick Thohir, and Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung attended the launch ceremony.



Aid distribution in the country's 34 provinces will also be conducted simultaneously by the governors.

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Translator: Indra A, Azis Kurmala
Editor: Gusti Nur Cahya Aryani
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