The government has planned to reduce poverty by 8-10 percent by 2014. And "the government is optimistic this will be achieved," said Agung Laksono, Coordinating Minister for the People`s Welfare.Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The government assured the public here on Wednesday that it would not cut its poverty reduction target despite its plan to raise the gasoline price in April.
The government has planned to reduce poverty by 8-10 percent by 2014. And "the government is optimistic this will be achieved," said Agung Laksono, Coordinating Minister for the People`s Welfare.
To prevent an increase in the poverty rate, the government has prepared various programs to compensate for the cut in the fuel subsidy.
One of the programs is a temporary direct aid to the people or a BLSM program. Under the program, the government will hand out Rp 150 thousand in cash to 18.5 million target households for nine months after the gasoline price hike.
Laksono said the government would also extend a Rp 5 trillion subsidy to the public transportation sector, which is expected to suffer as a direct result of the fuel price hike.
He added that the government would also distribute rice to the poor and provide an increased subsidy for poor school students.
He noted the government hoped the aid programs would prevent an increase in the poverty rate due to the fuel price hike.
With regard to poverty reduction, the minister hoped all parties would offer their support and commitment.
"The target can be achieved with partnership and cooperation between the central and regional governments, mass organizations, businesses and all community elements," Laksono said.(*)
Editor: Heru Purwanto
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