The head of state reiterated that the government had decided to continue the distribution of rice aid this year up until March, adding that the government has been striving to extend the distribution period to June 2024.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) visited Salatiga City, Central Java, on Monday, to participate in the distribution of food assistance in the form of the Government's Rice Reserves (CBP).

According to the Presidential Secretariat in Jakarta, Jokowi had a dialogue with several CBP recipients to ensure proper distribution of the food aid.

"This is the first day of the distribution. Have you all already received 10 kilograms of rice?" he asked the aid beneficiaries on the Klumpit Tingkir football field, Salatiga.

The head of state reiterated that the government had decided to continue the distribution of rice aid this year up until March, adding that the government has been striving to extend the distribution period to June 2024 by assessing the capacity of the State Budget (APBN).

"Let us all hope that our APBN will suffice to further extend the aid distribution period," he remarked.

Ririn, one of the aid beneficiaries, admitted to being immensely grateful for the government's rice assistance, saying that the rice received will help reduce her family's burdens.

"Thank God, I am very grateful for the aid given by Mr. Jokowi, given that we have been facing an increase in rice prices. So, this aid will truly help my family," she remarked.

A farmer, Juaeni, lauded the government for the rice aid while expressing hope that implementation of the aid program would continue in the future.

"Hopefully, such assistance will continue to help those in need. I would like to thank the government for the aid," Juaeni stated.

Another beneficiary, Harjanti, also praised the government for the aid and expected the aid distribution to be further extended to assist people in their day-to-day lives.

"This is the first time I receive such aid. I am happy because this aid will help me meet daily needs," she stated.

Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan, Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin, Public Works and Public Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono, Head of the National Food Agency (Bapanas) Arief Prasetyo Adi, and First Lady Iriana, among others, accompanied President Jokowi during the activity.

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Translator: Andi F, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Arie Novarina
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