Speaking at a working meeting at the DPR building in Jakarta on Thursday, Sadewa confirmed the government's readiness to provide the additional assistance alongside the existing 20 kilograms of rice, which is being distributed in 10 kg installments per month for October and November 2025.
“If we add 2 liters of cooking oil, I believe we can manage it,” said Sadewa.
The newly appointed finance minister explained that the rice aid program for the October-November 2025 period is currently in a trial phase, and adjustments or additional support may be considered in the following period.
Meanwhile, Banggar Chair, Said Abdullah, said the proposal had been discussed with DPR leaders and that lawmakers would approve the 2026 draft state budget (RAPBN 2026) if the cooking oil addition is approved.
“The Rp16.23 trillion (approx US$982 million) stimulus, specifically allocated for the 10 kg rice aid, is not sufficient with just rice alone. We request an additional 2 liters of cooking oil per month. If that is agreed upon, we will approve the budget posture,” Abdullah stated.
He added that the Budget Committee initially considered proposing an additional 5 liters of cooking oil but later withdrew the request after assessment showed it would not align with the original intent of the government’s assistance program.
The Economic Stimulus Policy Package for 2025, as outlined by the government, consists of eight economic acceleration programs. Four of these programs will carry over into 2026, and five are designated as flagship initiatives to boost job creation.
Among the eight acceleration programs is the Food Assistance Program, which provides 10 kilograms of rice per month during October-November 2025.
Previously, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto stated that the government would evaluate whether to extend the assistance into December, as doing so for that month alone would require an additional Rp7 trillion in funding.
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Translator: Muhammad Heriyanto, Kuntum Khaira
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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