Jokowi Signals Possible Extension of Social Assistance Until December 2024
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Editor
13 May 2024 22:56 WIB
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Joko Widodo or Jokowi signaled that social assistance could be extended until the end of this year. To date, the government’s rice aid will be provided until June 2024.
When visiting the State Logistics Agency’s (Bulog) Laende Warehouse Complex in Muna Regency, Southeast Sulawesi Province on Monday, May 1, 2024, the Head of State affirmed that the rice assistance program is subject to the availability of the State Budget (APBN).
“Let’s pray that it will be extended until December,” he said.
According to a written statement released by the Presidential Secretariat, the former governor of Jakarta expressed optimism about the possible extension of the program.
The government has repeatedly stressed that the social assistance was a response to the surge in rice prices caused by global food inflation.
He emphasized that maintaining rice prices in Indonesia was not easy as he had to balance the welfare of farmers and the affordability of prices for consumers. Hence, he hoped that the distribution of 10 kilograms of rice would ease the burden on the people affected by the rise in commodity prices.
“When [rice prices] increase, people will definitely [complain], but farmers will be content,” said Jokowi.
DANIEL A. FAJRI
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