In addition, (there is training on) tobacco cutting, because Kangkung village is a producer of good quality tobacco.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Vice President Ma'ruf Amin visited Kangkung village, Mranggen sub-district, Demak district, Central Java province, to review the efforts made by the local government to tackle extreme poverty.

Kangkung village is one of the five priority villages selected for the implementation of extreme poverty eradication programs in Mranggen sub-district, according to a press release issued on Tuesday.

The head of Mranggen sub-district, Wiwin Edi Widodo, told the Vice President that 258 out of 2,676 families in the village are living in poor conditions.

"A total of 80 family heads and 342 family members (in Kangkung village) have been registered for the PKH (Family Hope Program)," the sub-district head reported.

He said that the village government has renovated 210 uninhabitable houses (RTLH), built 125 healthy latrines, as well as disbursed PKH assistance to 503 families and basic commodities aid to 193 families to reduce the poverty rate in the region.

The residents of Kangkung village also receive direct cash assistance (BLT) every year, which is sourced from the Village Fund, he added.

Responding to the official’s report, Amin emphasized that the local government should also implement community empowerment programs so that residents do not continue to rely on assistance.

Widodo, in turn, informed the Vice President that the regional government has carried out training in online sales, sewing, automotive workshop, making laundry soap from used cooking oil, producing snacks, and waste recycling.

"In addition, (there is training on) tobacco cutting, because Kangkung village is a producer of good-quality tobacco," he added.

Amin also inquired about the provision of capital for local entrepreneurs. The sub-district head informed that there is a business entity that is providing loans to community business groups.

There is no requirement for people to become members of the business entity to obtain loans, thus applying for a loan is easy and inexpensive, he added.

Amin said he expected that the community empowerment programs will help expedite the eradication of extreme poverty in Kangkung village.

Related news: Local govts must report obstacles to stunting alleviation: BKKBN
Related news: Govt seeks stronger cross-sectoral cooperation on stunting handling
Related news: C Java Governor seeks to expedite extreme poverty handling





Translator: Rangga Jingga, Uyu Liman
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2023