The government is committed to accelerating the distribution of social assistance to people in need
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The government has accelerated the distribution of Social Protection Assistance to people affected by COVID-19, with the aid disbursal process underway, according to Minister of Communication and Informatics (Kominfo) Johnny G. Plate.

"Cash and non-cash social aids have begun to be distributed to the citizens. Cash social assistance programs, for instance, the Family Hope Program (PKH), have begun to be implemented through the Association of State-Owned Banks (Himbara) and PT Pos Indonesia to Beneficiary Families (KPM)," Plate noted in a press statement on Friday.

Aid under the Non-Cash Social Assistance Program is currently being distributed through the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) and the Ministry of Social Affairs. He noted that the distribution of non-cash assistance had, until now, been going relatively well.

"The government is committed to accelerating the distribution of social assistance to people in need. The existing obstacles have begun to be solved, thanks to the good synergy between various parties from the central and regional governments," he affirmed.


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Plate noted that in Jakarta, non-cash assistance had reached 900 thousand beneficiaries, while in Banten, the program had recorded a 90-percent realization.

"The government will continue to monitor the distribution of social assistance, so that the people can receive it accurately and quickly," the minister stated.

Plate urged the public to exercise greater discipline in implementing health protocols during the distribution of social assistance. He also encouraged people to get vaccinated soon.

"In the wake of the development of cases in the last few days that have not shown a significant decrease, we demand people to follow health protocols and get vaccinated as soon as possible. The next few days until July 26 is a period that will determine the next policy (regarding social restrictions)," Plate stated.

The Indonesian government has provided social assistance through varied programs for people in need: the Family Hope Program, Basic Food Card Program, PPKM Basic Food Card, Social Cash Transfer Program, Bulog Rice Assistance, Electricity Discount, Minimum Account Assistance for Load/Subscription Fees, Pre-Employment and Labor Wage Subsidy Assistance, Internet data packages assistance, and village fund cash transfers (BLT).


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Translator: Natisha A, Raka Adji
Editor: Fardah Assegaf
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