Jakarta (ANTARA) - The government unveiled that it would distribute 200,000 tons of rice aid to 8.8 million beneficiary families (KPM) affected by the enforcement of public activity restrictions (PPKM). Speaking at a press conference held at the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) office in Jakarta on Thursday, Secretary-General of the Ministry of Social Affairs Hartono Laras said for the second phase of rice aid distribution, each beneficiary family will receive 10kg of rice.

During the first phase of rice aid distribution, 20 million beneficiary families received support.

"We express our appreciation and gratitude for the cooperation and responsiveness of Bulog and the regional governments who cooperated in successfully distributing rice aid," he added.

President Director of Perum Bulog Budi Waseso said his party is committed to distributing rice aid while prioritizing quality.

He explained that the rice used for the program come from farmers and is purchased by Bulog according to Presidential Instruction No. 5 of 2015, and then stored as the Government's Rice Reserves (CBP).

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If people receive damaged rice due to the shipping process, his organization will immediately replace it with good quality rice, he stressed.

The distribution of rice aid will be carried out by PT Pos Indonesia (Persero) and the logistics company, DNR Corporation.

Faizal Rochmad Djoemadi, President Director of the state-owned postal company, expressed his readiness to continue cooperating with Bulog and supporting related government policies and programs, including by distributing the 2021 PPKM rice aid.

Rudy Tanoesudibjo, CEO of DNR Corporation, said his company will maximize distribution until all beneficiary families have received rice.

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Translator: Aditya R, Raka Adji
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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