TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Minister of Social Affairs, Juliari Batubara, has stated that the disabled community is set to receive Rp2.4 million per capita per year, as they have been included in the government’s social safety net plans through the Hopeful Family Program (PKH).

Juliari explained that the Hopeful Family Program, starting in April 2020, has been increased in capacity by 25%, now accommodating pregnant women and school-age children, on top of disabled people.

“The amount of assistance from the Hopeful Family Program for pregnant women have increased from Rp2.4 million per year to Rp3 million per year," Juliari said on Wednesday, April 1, adding that the assiastance for school-age children is now Rp3 million per year.

In addition, Juliari Batubara said the number of PKH beneficiary families has also been increased from 9.2 million to 10 million families. The number of families receiving assistance in food provision also increased from 15 million to 20 million families.

Previously, President Joko Widodo had announced a stimulus package valued at Rp405 trillion to handle and dampen the impact of the coronavirus disease or COVID-19 pandemic in various sectors. In the social sector, the government has allocated a total of Rp110 trillion as a social safety net for communities affected by the virus outbreak.

CHETA NILAWATY | ANTARA | DIO SUHENDA (Intern Translator)