President Distributes Aid For Farmers Affected By Puso In Pekalongan

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) started distributing direct cash assistance (BLT) to a number of farmers affected by puso in Bojong District, Pekalongan Regency, Central Java.

The aid worth Rp. 8 million per one hectare of land was given to farmers whose land was affected by flooding last year, so that they can immediately replant.

"In order for the replanting to be carried out immediately, the production costs will be partially reimbursed by the government," said President Jokowi when delivering his remarks reported by ANTARA, Wednesday, December 13.

The President hopes that farmers can start planting at the start of this year's rainy season.

"Once this is completed, the finances will be completed through banks, planting will begin immediately," he said.

In addition to providing assistance, replanting is also driven by the current high price of unhulled rice compared to the previous year. The President assessed that this was able to increase the profits of farmers.

"Last year, the price of unhulled rice was only Rp. 4,200-4,300, correct? Now it's Rp. 7,300. Is there someone who is Rp. 7,800, right? It has increased very high because it is immediately planting," he told the farmers.

The President also said that national rice and rice production in recent times has also experienced a decline caused by climate change and prolonged heat waves.

Therefore, the President again emphasized to farmers after getting BLT Puso to immediately plant.

"So the 16 thousand hectares will be planted immediately. First, while there is water, the second one was already the puso (assistance) yesterday, then the third one was also the price of unhulled rice when it was high. Panjenengan must be very happy, "he said.

BLT Puso in Central Java Province will later be handed over to six thousand farmers with a total area of 16 thousand hectares of affected land.