President Joko widodo Launches Cash Assistance Program in 2021 Throughout Indonesia

JAKARTA (Indonesia), OMIKAMI-TV - President Joko Widodo on Monday, January 4, 2021, launched the 2021 Cash Assistance program throughout Indonesia as a social safety net in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic. The launch and handover ceremony took place by implementing health protocols at the Istana Negara, Jakarta, and was attended by other recipients virtually in each province.

"Today, in early 2021, I am launching direct Cash Assistance throughout Indonesia to the recipient community for the Family of Hope Program, Sembako Program, and Cash Social Assistance," the President said at the launch event. 

As stated by the President, the 2021 Cash Assistance consists of three programs, namely the Family of Hope Program (PKH) which is distributed in four stages directly to recipients through banks incorporated in the Association of State-Owned Banks (Himbara), the Sembako Program of Rp200,000 per month per family head until December 2021 which is also distributed through banks to spend foodstuffs in designated places. 

In addition, the Cash Assistance also includes a Cash Social Assistance (BST) program of Rp300,000 per month per family head distributed through PT Pos Indonesia.

"Cash Social Assistance is provided for four months, January to April, and the value is Rp300,000 per month per household. This is clearly everything," President Joko Widodo said.

The Head of State is very hopeful that this government assistance can ease the burden on families affected by the Covid-19 pandemic while ultimately helping the national economy to rise and move.

"We hope that it can also be a trigger to move the national economy, leverage the national economy, and strengthen people's purchasing power so that national economic growth becomes increased and better," the President said hopefully.

This year, the government allocated a budget of Rp28.709 trillion for PKH, Rp42.5 trillion for sembako program, and Rp12 trillion for BST, respectively.

A total of 24 representatives of the beneficiaries of each program were present in a limited time at the State Palace. Previously, they had undergon medical examinations and implemented strict health protocols both before and during the event.

During the handover ceremony at the Istana Negara, the same cash assistance was also handed over in 34 provinces throughout Indonesia by virtually present governors.

Present accompanying the President in the event were Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy, Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini, SOE Minister Erick Thohir, and Cabinet Secretary Pramono Anung.

(Sato) OMIKAMI-TV

Source : Press, Media, and Information Bureau of the Presidential Secretariat