President Jokowi Strives For Rice Social Assistance To Continue Until The End Of The Year

President Joko Widodo handed over food aid to the people in Tolitoli Regency, Central Sulawesi Province, Wednesday (27/3/2024). BETWEEN/HO-Biro Press of the Presidential Secretariat

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo said food assistance of 10 kilograms of rice every month for beneficiary families is expected to continue until the end of the year.

"I will try, but I do not promise," said President Jokowi when handing over food assistance to people in Tolitoli Regency, Central Sulawesi Province, quoted by ANTARA from an official statement from the Press Bureau of the Presidential Secretariat, Wednesday, March 27.

When greeting the people present, President Jokowi also confirmed that the beneficiaries had received rice assistance for January, February, and March, and announced that distribution would continue for the next three months.

The Head of State stated his commitment to continue food assistance according to the availability of the State Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBN).

"Has this been received for January 10 kilos? February already? Already, March, has it been received. It will be continued April, May, June. Agree?" said President Jokowi.

The people who were present at the handover of the aid also answered that they agreed.

President Jokowi explained that the provision of rice assistance was carried out because the price of rice was rising, not only in Indonesia but also in many other countries.

The President emphasized that rice stocks in Indonesia are still in a relatively good position, reaching 1.2 million tons which is managed in Perum Bulog's warehouse.

"When I go to the area when I come to Bulog's warehouse, I will definitely check. If there is a problem, I will immediately order the stock to be sufficient," said the President.

One of the beneficiaries, Yeyen, was happy to receive food assistance from the government. This is the fourth time he has received 10 kilograms of rice.

Another recipient resident, Maryani, is also grateful to be able to get help from the government and hopes that the rice aid program can continue.

"I've had three times with this. Alhamdulillah, I'm happy, I feel helped. Hopefully, the assistance can continue," he said.