"We fully support the Ngarsa Dalem (Governor Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X), anything to reduce the poverty rate," Yogyakarta DPRD Deputy Speaker Huda Tri Yudiana remarked here on Monday.
Yudiana noted that the program of lifelong social assistance for the elderly can be realized in 2023 by using either the special fund or the 2023 revised regional budget (APBD).
However, if the revised APBD is used for the program's implementation, then it can only be realized in September 2023.
"However, using the special fund does not need DPRD's approval, and we only need to provide political support," he explained.
Through the program, extremely poor residents can get additional social assistance, so that their quality of life can improve.
"These citizens, such as poor old people, persons with disabilities, and others, have the right and should be the responsibility of the state, as stipulated in the 1945 Constitution," Yudiana remarked.
He also advised that the data collection process must be conducted carefully, so that the program can be on-target.
"I believe (this program) will bring great benefit, and no budget wastage would occur in this because the regional government is obligated to help residents who are struggling," he stated.
Earlier, Yogyakarta Governor Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X proposed lifetime social assistance for the poor aged 60 years and above as an effort to reduce the poverty rate in his region.
The governor explained that the program will target poor old people, who had only studied up to elementary school level, were unable to work, and had no facilities at all.
For the initial stage, his administration will conduct the program trials in the districts of Gunungkidul and Kulon Progo.
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Translator: Luqman H, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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