"We ensure that the distribution of rice aid is conducted from door to door by implementing the heath protocols strictly," Bangka Belitung Islands Governor Erzaldi Rosman Djohan stated while observing the distribution of rice assistance in Pangkalpinang, Tuesday.
Djohan ensured that the distribution of presidential assistance (Banpres) in the form of rice accurately reached poor households to placate the economic burden of the residents amid the enforcement of PPKM Level IV in the West Bangka, Belitung, and East Belitung regencies.
Meanwhile, PPKM Level III will be imposed in Pangkalpinang City, Bangka Regency, Central Bangka and South Bangka, from July 26 to August 8, 2021.
"I ensure that the distribution of this assistance has been running well, so when the president inquires from us (regarding the distribution), we can give a report," the governor affirmed.
According to Djohan, PPKM Level III and IV automatically influenced various policies with stricter activity restrictions.
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"I want to ensure that we all can work together to break the chain of COVID-19 transmission, which in the past month had continued to increase significantly," he pointed out.
Head of Bulog Bangka, Taufiqurokhmah, stated that the distribution of rice assistance targets 80,493 beneficiary families according to data submitted by the Ministry of Social Affairs.
"Currently, we are distributing rice assistance to eight thousand families in Pangkalpinang City, and the distribution will be completed before August 2021," he stated.
The Indonesian government has provided social assistance through varied programs for people in need across Indonesia: 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 Dana Desa). Related news: Government tightens supervision of social aid distribution
Translator: Aprionis, Raka Adji
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
Copyright © ANTARA 2021
