Puan Reminds El Nino BLT Assistance To Be Distributed Right On Target

PDIP DPP chairman Puan Maharani. (Eno-Man-DPR)

JAKARTA - Chairman of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Puan Maharani, reminded that El Nino's Direct Cash Assistance (BLT) program for people affected by the prolonged dry season is distributed with the right target. He emphasized that this assistance should really be given to people in need.

"The DPR supports the Government's efforts to provide assistance to communities affected by El Nino, provided that the BLT is right on target and the process is carried out with wise, fair, and planned policies," said Puan, Wednesday, November 15.

It is known, the Ministry of Finance (Kemenkeu) has announced the distribution of BLT El Nino for 18.8 million Beneficiary Families (KPM) with a total fund of IDR 7.52 trillion by the end of 2023. This BLT El Nino will be disbursed for the period November and December 2023, with a plan to realize one transfer of IDR 400,000.

The assistance was intended to ease the burden on people affected by the El Nino storm. Even so, there are people who do not necessarily get this BLT.

Puan also encouraged the Government to update data on recipients of social assistance. So that people who are really affected by the storm El Nino will get their rights.

"Do not let people who are affected by the El Nino storm not receive assistance because of data inaccuracies. They are like farmers who experience crop failure and people in areas who experience a clean water crisis because the dry season must be a concern of the government," said Puan.

Therefore, the former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture reminded the Government to be observant in monitoring, evaluating, and improving if there were shortcomings during the distribution process. This, according to Puan, is for the sustainability of the BLT program, El Nino.

"It is also important to take a wise and planned approach from the Government to ensure justice for beneficiaries," said the first woman to serve as chairman of the DPR RI.

Puan assessed that the distribution of BLT El Nino must focus on two crucial aspects. These two aspects are justice for beneficiaries and program effectiveness.

"The DPR encourages the program to be carried out optimally, by including an in-depth understanding of the impact in various regions and priority identification based on the level of vulnerability," explained Puan.

Bung Karno's grandson added that the government also needs to carry out continuous monitoring and evaluation of the BLT fund distribution program. According to Puan, strict supervision must be carried out to prevent fraud during the distribution process.

"By understanding the impact of intervention, the Government can make adjustments and improve program effectiveness in a sustainable manner," he said.

"This includes evaluating the distribution of funds, community responses, and the real impact on the welfare level of beneficiaries," added Puan.

Furthermore, Puan also encouraged the Government to take a holistic and collaborative approach between ministries and institutions as well as private parties to overcome the impact of El Nino.

"This BLT El Nino distribution program must be a wise step and have a positive impact in the long term," he concluded.