"If our state budget is capable, we will, God Willing, we will increase (the social assistance)," the president noted in his statement received here.
The president's remarks were delivered while handing over work capital assistance (BMK) and cooking oil direct cash assistance (BLT) to recipients at the Sungai Duri Market, Bengkayang District, West Kalimantan, on Tuesday.
The president urged residents, who received work capital assistance of Rp1.2 million (US$80.4), to use the money for work or business capital or for other productive purposes.
"Do not (use the assistance) to purchase a new phone. Use it for work or business capital or use it for other productive activities. Do not use (the assistance) to buy phone credit," Jokowi remarked.
The head of state also urged residents, who received direct cash assistance, to use the cash to purchase basic foods and to meet their needs.
"Please use the Rp300 thousand (US$20.1) assistance to buy foods and cooking oil because this is a (form of) social assistance," the president stated.
Apart from distributing the two forms of social assistance to residents, Jokowi also distributed assistance to market merchants and street hawkers while conversing with them.
Apart from the visit to Sungai Duri Market, the president's working visit itinerary in West Kalimantan included visits to officiate Kijing Terminal in the Port of Pontianak and towers A and B of Dr Soedarso Regional General Hospital in Pontianak.
Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Basuki Hadimlujono, Minister of State-owned Enterprises Erick Thohir, Social Affairs Minister Tri Rismaharini, Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung, West Kalimantan governor and deputy governor, and Bengkayang District Head accompanied President Jokowi during his visit.
Related news: Rp186.6 trillion disbursed as social protection assistance: President
Related news: President Jokowi distributes social assistance at Sukamandi Market
Translator: Mentari Dwi G, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Suharto
Copyright © ANTARA 2022
