Minister Airlangga Hartarto Salurkan BLT El Nino In Bogor, Supports People's Purchasing Power

BOGOR - Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs, Airlangga Hartarto, symbolically distributed El Nino's Direct Cash Assistance (BLT) in the form of 10 kg of rice to 2,200 beneficiary families (KPM) in Pabuaran Village, Cibinong District, Bogor Regency, West Java on Saturday, January 6.

Minister Airlangga said that the purpose of this BLT distribution was to maintain people's purchasing power in the midst of the impact of the El Nino phenomenon. "The purchasing power of the community can be helped. Funds that should be used to buy rice can be diverted to buy other basic necessities so as to help boost the economy," he said.

Rice distributed to the public is categorized as good quality rice, so it is safe to consume. In addition to 10 kg of rice, the government also provides BLT of Rp. 200 thousand per month, along with the provision of Rp. 400 thousand for two months. The total funds allocated for BLT reached Rp. 7.52 trillion for 18.8 million KPM.

Minister Airlangga also announced his plan to extend this assistance program until June 2024. "This assistance is greatly felt by the benefits, therefore it will be extended and expanded in areas such as Yogyakarta and in Tambora areas, Jakarta," he said.

The BLT El Nino program is part of the distribution of Government Rice Reserve Assistance (BP-CBP) which is targeted at 22.4 million KPM. Perum Bulog is responsible for the provision of rice, while its distribution is carried out by PT Pos Indonesia (Persero). BLT El Nino was given by the government to help the community face price increases due to the long dry season.