TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The distribution of the COVID-19 pandemic cash aid (bansos) will be commenced by the Metro Jaya Police across affected areas in the capital city. However, police assert that the profession subjected to the aid - public transport drivers and assistant drivers - must undergo online training provided by the police institution.

Police announced on Monday that the Rp600,000 police cash aid will be handed to 40,000 drivers and assistant drivers in Jakarta, and 197,000 nationwide. The aid is said to be distributed in three stages throughout three months.

“The training will be done online. The aid can only be received once they complete the training,” said Metro Jaya Police Grand Commissioner Sambodo Purnomo Yogo on Monday, April 20.

The online training subjects consist of three skillset training taught throughout three months which consists of understanding the standard operating procedure (SOP) in obtaining passengers; the second is the basic training of practicing English and how to use it to serve the public; third is training on driving safety.

The police commissioner said that there are roughly 2,000 drivers and assistant drivers participating in the pieces of training that are held across 51 locations in public transportation hubs and police headquarters.

The president announced previously on Thursday that the state had prepared Rp360 billion for the coronavirus pandemic cash aid.

M JULNIS FIRMANSYAH