Sultan HB X Makes Sure There's BLT During Emergency PPKM

Governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X. ANTARA/HO-DIY Government Public Relations

YOGYAKARTA - Governor of the Special Region of Yogyakarta Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X said there would be direct cash assistance (BLT) for the community during the implementation of the emergency community activity restrictions (PPKM), which will take place from July 3 to 20.

"The government has agreed that the BLT will be carried out," said Sri Sultan at the Kepatihan Complex, Yogyakarta, quoted by Antara, Friday, July 2.

Although the government previously did not expect to re-implement the tightening such as emergency PPKM because the transmission conditions were very high, the central government and local governments have agreed to disburse BLT.

"It's not by design because the government didn't expect the conditions to be this bad. However, yesterday it was agreed that BLT will be held again, both centrally and regionally," he said.

Regarding the budget issue for the implementation of the emergency PPKM, the Sultan ensured that there would be no problem for DIY. This is because the government at the district/city level also has a COVID-19 budget and an emergency budget.

"It's been more than 1 year, so there's no problem with budgeting," said Sultan.

According to the Sultan, there is no other way to reduce cases of COVID-19 transmission, except by consciously reducing mobility by complying with the tightening rules applied in the emergency PPKM in Java and Bali.

"The principle of how the government can limit people's mobility has been a bit difficult so far. However, it is also how these people have more awareness, the will to not be selfish, can restrain themselves if they don't have to leave the house," said the King of the Yogyakarta Palace.

According to the Sultan, enforcement of the rules contained in the Instruction of the Minister of Home Affairs (Inmendagri) will be coordinated with the DIY Regional Police, TNI, DIY Satpol PP, and the prosecutor's office.

However, to be able to apply the rule, he hopes that the governor's decree (SK) and the regent/mayor's decree can be completed soon as a derivative of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

"Yesterday the central government has decided, we will implement it with the hope that the governor's decree and the regent/mayor's decree can be completed as soon as possible," said Sultan.