"Of the planned 20.6 million benefit recipients, (state-owned post company) PT Pos Indonesia is ready to distribute (the assistance) to some 18,486,756 recipients, while the rest (of the recipients) are currently undergoing the (verification) cleansing process," she informed at Merdeka Palace here on Saturday.
The government has prepared Rp12.4 trillion (US$830 million) for the direct fuel cash assistance, she said, adding that each recipient will receive a sum of Rp300 thousand twice—in September and December 2022.
While the ministry is ready to constantly update the data, eligible residents could also apply for the benefits on the ministry’s website by themselves, which will be verified later by officials.
She also pointed out that Law No. 13 of 2011 places the responsibility of updating subsidy recipient data on the regional authority, which must carry out this task on a monthly basis.
"Regional authorities must also update (the data) whenever a resident dies. We will also cross-check with the population data and other statistics. If our population data is clear, we will also receive a good score from the KPK (Corruption Eradication Commission)," the minister explained.
She confirmed that the ministry and PT Pos Indonesia have agreed to collaborate with village heads, customary leaders, and local leaders to expedite the subsidy distribution, particularly to residents who are unable to access the command center or visit the designated subsidy distribution point.
"For residents who are ill, the elderly, and those who cannot visit the post office (to receive the subsidy), the post office staff will deliver the subsidy to the recipients’ home. Hence, residents can check or call the command center, and we will follow up on the report," the minister said.
The ministry has also prepared 70 thousand assistants nationwide who will verify whether the benefit recipients have received the cash subsidies or not, she added.
"If there is an urgent need, (residents can get in touch with) our command center by calling 021-171, which is available round the clock throughout the year," Rismaharini said.
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Translator: Desca Lidya N, Nabil Ihsan
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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