"This figure is a temporary estimate that will be collected from the state budget for food social aid that comprises rice, eggs, and chicken," Ministry's Budget Director General, Isa Rachmatarwata, noted.
The food social aid is intended to control inflation and the price of several food commodities at the producer level, he remarked during the March 2023 edition of Our State Budget press conference here, Tuesday.
This aid will be given for three months starting from March until May. The distribution will be conducted through two methods: free distribution of rice as well as free distribution of chicken meat and eggs.
The rice will be given free of charge to 21.3 million families in the Social Prosperity Integrated Data (DTKS).
Rachmatarwata estimated that the state-owned enterprise Perum Bulog will collect Rp7.8 trillion-Rp7.9 trillion, or US$507.52-US$514.02, from the state budget.
Meanwhile, chicken meat and eggs will be distributed free of charge to families with infants or children, who are at risk of stunting.
Based on temporary estimation, chicken meat and eggs will be delivered free of charge to 2.1 million families according to the National Population and Family Planning Agency (BKKBN).
In addition to food social aid, the government distributed social assistance in the form of Non-Cash Food Assistance (BPNT) and Family Hope Program (PKH) during the January-March 2023 period.
During the event, Finance Minister Sri Mulyani noted that the state budget had recorded a surplus of Rp131.8 trillion, or US$8.58 billion.
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Translator: Agatha Olivia V, Fadhli Ruhman
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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