Ganjar Soal Bansos Called Wapres Melesmatkan Poverty: Kita Perlu KTP Sakti

Presidential Candidate Ganjar Pranowo after attending a meeting with the TPC and coalition party candidates at D'pillars Resto Cilacap, Central Java, Tuesday (9/1/2024). (ANTARA/Narda Margaretha Sinambela)

Presidential candidate number 3 Ganjar Pranowo responded to Vice President Ma'ruf Amin's statement that social assistance (bansos) could preserve poverty.

According to Ganjar, currently data precision is needed so that the program he and vice presidential candidate Mahfud MD, namely Sakti ID cards, are needed.

"Why then do we need a Sakti ID card? Because that's data precision. If we precision the data, then actually, those who have the right to accept it are really those who are in poverty, if necessary, are extreme so that they are really right on target," said Ganjar in a statement quoted by ANTARA, Tuesday, January 9.

Ganjar explained that currently direct cash assistance (BLT) is important for people with extreme poverty because they need immediate assistance. Meanwhile, other people, he said, must be empowered.

"But the others must be empowering (powered) by means of education. So I am talking about 1 poor family, 1 undergraduate. That's an achievement, if it can be done later, then yes we will not give fish. We will really give a hook between the existing families," said Ganjar after attending a meeting with the Branch Winning Team (TPC) and potential members of the coalition party at D'pillars Resto Cilacap, Central Java, Tuesday.

The former governor of Central Java for two terms revealed that he agreed with Ma'ruf's statement.

"The rest, it is true that what the Vice President said. We must empower, and that the government can intervene from other doors. Yes, at least 1, decile 2, it becomes a concern with a consumptive nature. However, others can be productive and empowering," he said.

Previously, Vice President Ma'ruf said that the provision of social assistance continuously is a form of preserving poverty.

"We hope that in the future 2024 the budget will be added to the social as well. Not only for the budget for social assistance, social protection, but empowerment in order to eliminate poverty. If social assistance continues, it will save poverty," said Ma'ruf while talking to reporters at the Vice Presidential Palace complex, Jakarta, Friday (5/1).