SURABAYA - Mayor of Surabaya Eri Cahyadi responded to reports that there were individuals who used the recipients of the Non-Cash Food Assistance (BPNT) to buy basic necessities at certain stores. Eri emphasized that strict action would be taken if he found the person.

"The findings of individuals who forced BPNT recipients to buy basic necessities cannot be left unchecked, and strict action must be taken," said Eri Cahyadi in Surabaya, Tuesday, March 8, 2022.

Eri Cahyadi said that the Rp600,000 BPNT money received by low-income people (MBR) from the Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos) was entirely the right of the recipient.

After being accepted, MBR residents were freed to buy basic goods as needed without any coercion from anyone.

"It's time for the government to step down, this is what is called jihad fisabilillah. If there are findings like this, please report them. For what reason? It's a pity (the little people) need money instead (it takes money to be used)," he said.

Eri Cahyadi admitted that he was furious after hearing reports of individuals threatening BPNT recipients. If they do not buy at the designated shop, their name will be removed from the MBR list.

"In a situation like this, we must be present to provide confidence and certainty. If he (the little girl) really needs it, then it will not be removed from the MBR list. Don't be afraid of them, because they don't buy them at certain stores. Don't worry wedi (don't be afraid) we will fight like this," he said.

Eri conveyed that the findings of the BPNT person case were currently under development by the Surabaya Police. Eri also revealed that the findings of this BPNT person were previously reported by Surabaya cadres, village heads and residents.

"Still under development at Polrestabes, this case is being followed up by the Head of Polrestabes. There are also reports from great cadres of Surabaya, residents and village heads. This case is a lesson, don't ever play and take advantage of underprivileged people. Something like this we eradicate, this is the city of heroes, we must raise the spirit to eradicate such things," he said.

Eri said the Surabaya City Government (Pemkot) through the Surabaya Social Service (Dinsos) appealed to MBR residents who received BPNT to report if there was coercion or threats from irresponsible persons.

Meanwhile, the Head of the Surabaya City Social Service (Dinsos) Anna Fajriatin said she had coordinated with the Communications and Information Office (Dinkominfo) regarding this matter. If there is coercion or threats from BPNT personnel, residents can report it through the Wargaku application, Command Center 112, or the Surabaya Social Service call center at 03159174855.

"According to the Guardian's instructions, residents can report and contact the RI Ministry of Social Affairs call center at 08111022210, or PT Pos Indonesia at 081223330332," said Anna.

In addition to the Dinkominfo of Surabaya, Anna also coordinates with sub-districts and village heads throughout Surabaya to give advice to the public. Some of the appeals were packaged through videotron as well as social media, with the aim of making citizens more aware of this case.

Anna hopes that residents who have received BPNT will use the aid money to buy what they need and can buy basic goods at any store.

"According to the instructions from the Ministry of Social Affairs, residents who receive the money are expected to use the money to buy basic needs. So don't let the aid money given be used for other purposes," he said.


The English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and French versions are automatically generated by the AI. So there may still be inaccuracies in translating, please always see Indonesian as our main language. (system supported by DigitalSiber.id)