We hope the program will meet (low-income) people's needs.Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Jakarta provincial government has raised this year’s food subsidy for one million low-income residents to Rp1.1 trillion from Rp850 billion as part of an effort to alleviate their financial burden.
"We hope the program will meet (low-income) people's needs," head of the Jakarta Marine and Agricultural Food Security Office (KPKP) Suharini Eliawati said in Jakarta on Monday.
Since early 2022, the Jakarta provincial government has raised the food subsidy twice, she noted.
The food subsidy was increased to Rp1.1 trillion from Rp850 billion after the government raised the price of subsidized fuel oil, she informed.
The subsidized food program is targeting nine groups in the capital, including Smart Jakarta Card holders, Jakarta Child Card holders, Senior Citizen Card holders, people with disabilities, workers, and flat dwellers.
Under the program, they only need to spend Rp126 thousand for buying 1 kilogram (kg) of beef, 0.9 kg of chicken meat, 15 eggs, 1 kg of kembung fish, and 5 kg of rice, she said.
They can buy food at subsidized prices at 377 outlets by bringing the cards issued by the local government.
"If they buy the goods at the (regular) market, they have to spend Rp400 thousand per month," she pointed out.
She said the food subsidy will likely remain at Rp1.1 trillion in 2023.
"Actually, the budget is flexible. It will increase because the Organization of Regional Apparatuses makes verification," she said.
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Translator: Dewa Ketut SW, Suharto
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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