During his visit to flood-affected areas in Aceh on Monday, President Prabowo commended the resilience of Kutacane residents despite the disaster.
“I am pleased to see the MBG kitchen in Kutacane, and soon the cooperatives will begin operations,” he said.
The President explained that village cooperatives aim to distribute subsidized goods directly to residents, eliminating intermediaries that raise prices for essential commodities.
The government has established 81,613 cooperatives nationwide with 13 objectives, including empowering rural residents, generating jobs, making essential key commodities and services more accessible, alleviating extreme poverty, curbing inflation, and boosting the farmers’ exchange rate.
So far, the co-ops have employed 681 thousand people, with this year’s target set at around 1 million workers, according to the Cooperatives Ministry.
Meanwhile, the central government has allocated budgets to strengthen village and district facilities in the country. These funds come from significant efficiencies at the central level, enabling more people in the regions to benefit from government aid.
“We have the budget, and we are saving extensively at the center so that we can provide as much assistance as possible to the people at the grassroots level,” he emphasized.
Beyond free meal and village economic programs, President Prabowo also highlighted the importance of enhancing educational facilities, including the provision of interactive digital devices, and confirmed commitment to accelerating school renovations.
“We will carry out more school renovations, and I believe Kutacane has already received interactive screens,” he added.
After inspecting flood-affected areas in Southeast Aceh, the President would continue to West Sumatra. He was scheduled to visit the Kasai Permai evacuation post in Padang Pariaman District to review public kitchens, refugee sites, and trauma care services.
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Translator: Maria, Kenzu
Editor: M Razi Rahman
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