Jokowi Hands Over El Nino Aid, Banyuwangi Residents Hope BLT Continues

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) handed over El Nino's Direct Cash Assistance (BLT) to a number of beneficiaries at the Genteng Post Office, Banyuwangi Regency, East Java Province, during a working visit to the province, Wednesday, December 27.

The President said that the El Nino BLT was given to increase people's purchasing power due to the increase in prices of a number of basic necessities.

"The El Nino BLT was used because there was an increase in goods, a little rice, this was used for the hiatus," explained the President to the recipients, according to a press release received in Jakarta.

In addition to BLT El Nino worth IDR 400,000 which is distributed to the public, President Jokowi said that the government also distributed 10 kilograms of government rice reserves food assistance starting from September 2023.

"Later January, February, March (2024) 10 kilos will be continued again," said Jokowi.

Sumiatun, one of the beneficiaries, feels grateful for the assistance provided by the government to meet its basic needs. He hopes that similar assistance can be continued to increase people's purchasing power.

"Thank God, I am grateful that I hope that it will continue to improve the economy of the Indonesian people," said Sumiatun.

Also accompanying the President in the activity were Trade Minister Zulkifli Hasan, East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa, and Banyuwangi Regent Ipuk Fiestiandani.

Previously, President Jokowi and his entourage arrived at Banyuwangi International Airport at around 08.00 WIB.