Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) reviewed the distribution of social assistance in Aru Islands district, Maluku, which was carried out via the Dobo Post Office on Thursday.

He said that so far, the government has distributed direct cash assistance (BLT) for fuel (BBM) to beneficiaries in 461 districts and cities.

"Until today, the government has distributed (the assistance to) 8,179 thousand (people), and it has increased to 461 districts and cities. Yesterday, it was only 431 districts and cities, and now, it has reached 461. The movement is very fast," he informed in a statement received here on Thursday.

The President said he hopes that the speed of BLT BBM distribution will have a good impact on people's purchasing power and help maintain the national economy.

"We hope that with the fast distribution of BLT BBM, people's purchasing power and consumption will be maintained," he stated.

In addition to BLT BBM, Jokowi also handed out other assistance in the form of basic necessities and BLT to beneficiaries covered by the Family Hope Program (PKH).

The review of social aid distribution at Dobo Post Office was Jokowi’s second activity during his working visit to Aru Islands.

Earlier, after landing at Rar Gwamar Airport, Dobo, Jokowi and First Lady Iriana Joko Widodo and their entourage visited Jargaria Market to deliver social assistance to market traders and street vendors.

Defense Minister Prabowo Subianto, Public Works and Public Housing (PUPR) Minister Basuki Hadimuljono, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Minister Sakti Wahyu Trenggono, and Aru Islands District head Johan Gonga accompanied the President and his wife to Dopo Post Office.

The President will continue his series of working visits in Southwest Maluku district to review the delivery of social aid. He is also scheduled to visit Werwaru village for a dialogue with buffalo farmers.

Related news: Fuel cash aid to maintain people's purchasing power: Jokowi
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Translator: Gilang Galiartha, Resinta S
Editor: Suharto
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