TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo or Jokowi landed in Banyuwangi Regency in East Java Province today, Dec. 27, to visit the regional traditional markets and distribute social assistance.

The entourage arrived at Banyuwangi International Airport at around 8 a.m. local time. Officials accompanying the state head include Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan, East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa, and Banyuwangi Regent Ipuk Fiestiandani.

Jokowi handed over the cash assistance (BLT) to El Nino-affected residents at the Genteng Post Office. “This El Nino BLT can be used due to rising commodity prices, [such as] rice which has seen a slight increase. This [aid] can be used to cover it,” he said as quoted from a written statement.

Aside from the Rp 400,000 cash aid, the state head mentioned that the government would also distribute food aid of 10 kilograms of rice starting from September 2023.

He then visited Rogojampi Market to check the prices of some basic commodities. During his signature impromptu visit, the former Jakarta governor visited several kiosks and asked traders about the prices of commodities, such as chilies, shallots, and rice.

On Dec. 14, in Malang, Jokowi said the government was determined to extend the rice assistance program until March 2024. However, this could be possible until June 2024 as long as the State Budget (APBN) is sufficient.

DANIEL A. FAJRI

Editor's Choice: Jokowi Plans to Extend Social Assistance Program to June 2024

Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News