With the help of kind-hearted donors, we hope that 1 million rice boxes can reach the target recipients in 100 cities and districts.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) instructed all staff and cadres to accelerate the PSI Rice Box Program to assist communities in the extended public activity restrictions (PPKM), with the aim of distributing one million rice boxes.

In a statement on Wednesday, Dea Tunggaesti, Acting Secretary-General of PSI’s Central Executive Board, expects the program to ease the burden on those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Through distributing rice boxes, PSI hopes to ease the burdens on our brothers and sisters who are much affected because they are homeless, cannot make a living, and other reasons. During the PPKM extension, we asked staff and cadres to organize the rice box program," Tunggaesti said.

“PPKM is a bitter reality that must be accepted together. However, its impact can be minimized if there is a sense of solidarity with each other. There are already social assistance packages distributed by the government, but these are certainly not enough. As fellow citizens, we should reach out and help each other with what we have," she added.

The program began last April, but initially, only staff, cadres and legislators donated rice boxes, she added.

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However, since mid-July, PSI has encouraged public participation after learning that many segments of society want to be involved, she continued.

"With the help of kind-hearted donors, we hope that 1 million rice boxes can reach target recipients in 100 cities and districts," she stressed, adding that by running the program, PSI always works with local neighborhood and hamlet administrators to ensure the assistance is appropriate.

"Meanwhile, rice and side dishes are purchased from food stalls and culinary MSMEs entrepreneurs who are also affected by PPKM. At once, two things can be achieved, which will help people and support MSMEs," she explained.

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Translator: Boyke W, Kenzu T
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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