TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Minister of Trade Zulkifli Hasan or Zulhas responded to the accusation of politicizing social assistance. The accusation emerged after the minister stated that social assistance is a handout from President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo. The statement was spoken during his campaign for Prabowo-Gobran in Kendal, Central Java, on Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2023.

"Keep talking about it, the more the better," Zulhas said when met in his office on Thursday, Jan. 4, 2024.

The head of the National Mandate Party is mum on the reported plan of summon by Commission VI of the House of Representatives for his clarification on the alleged politicization of social assistance

.Zulhas' statement invited a number of criticisms, including from presidential candidate number 3, Ganjar Pranowo. According to Ganjar, social assistance is a politicized commodity this close to the general elections, and refrain from mentioning the program ahead of the political contest.

Meanwhile, presidential candidate number 1 Anies Baswedan highlighted Zulkifli Hasan's statement that social assistance is a private handout by President Jokowi.

Anies touched on the issue during a Desak Anies (Corner Anies) event in West Sumatra. According to him, social assistance shall be regarded as the contribution of all Indonesian citizens, since the program is funded by tax money.

"Social assistance is bought with tax money, so it is given by Indonesian taxpayers for those who are not prosperous," he said during the event as observed virtually by Tempo on Jan. 3, 2024.

On the other hand, the head of presidential staff Moeldoko stated that there are no hidden motives behind Jokowi's social assistance program. Moeldoko stressed that the program will continue despite any criticism that arises.

RIANI SANUSI PUTRI

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