The Cost To Take Social Assistance In South Kalimantan Is Bigger, This Is Risma's Directive To The Local Government

Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Social Minister Tri Rismaharini asked Himbara Bank and the Regional Government in South Kalimantan (Kalsel) to take the initiative to pick up the ball for recipients of social assistance (bansos). The goal is that assistance can be received immediately.

"I ask Himbara Bank to bring services closer to Beneficiary Families (KPM), because if you have to come to the city, transportation costs will run out. I feel sorry for the KPM," Risma said in a statement received in Jakarta, reported by Antara, Wednesday, September 15.

This is because the process of distributing social assistance in that area faces geographical challenges. In this area, in general, the lowlands are mostly in the form of peatlands, swamps and rivers. This condition more or less affected the speed in the distribution of aid.

Several PKH facilitators stated that the distribution of aid for KPM was reached by taking a klotok boat along the river or across the sea. The costs incurred for this purpose can be greater than the index of assistance provided by Rp. 200 thousand to Rp. 600 thousand.

"Some need 15 hours to get help. I don't think it's fair to be forced into such conditions," said Risma.

By understanding the geographical conditions in South Kalimantan and the explanations of the assistants, Risma gave directions for banks to bring their services closer to the KPM's residence.

In the long term, Risma will prepare special regulations. With this regulation, it can become Himbara's legal umbrella to distribute social assistance at once.

"For areas with natural challenges such as in South Kalimantan, a special approach is needed. I will prepare a rule, in which the distribution of social assistance uses a geographical approach, not just an administrative one," said Risma.

During the meeting, Risma evaluated the disbursement of social assistance in South Kalimantan. Like other areas that Risma visited, the problem of distributing social assistance around the area was not yet distributed KKS, blocked accounts, double data collection, and banking procedures that were felt to be complicated. This occurs in the distribution of KPM PKH and BPNT.

"We knew earlier that what was said to be blocked could actually be resolved. The address for the KPM in question can be found. So I hope that aid will not be withheld," he said.

Risma asked banks, local governments and all related parties to prioritize services for KPM whose lives are getting harder due to the impact of the pandemic.