Social Assistance Providers Are Not Transparent, Social Minister Risma Disappointed: We Take Strict Action

Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini (Photo: Antara)

JAKARTA - Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini has confirmed that strict action will be taken against those who distribute social assistance (bansos) who are not transparent and accountable.

Risma during her visits to various regions found several cases where commodity prices were too high, commodity packaging problems, and so on.

"(The perpetrator) is currently being processed. At the Ministry of Social Affairs, we will conduct an ethics trial. The police are also handling them," Risma said in a statement in Jakarta, quoted by Antara, Friday, July 30.

This is to ensure that the rights of the beneficiaries are fulfilled, especially in times of emergency like today.

Risma wants to ensure that no one party takes advantage of the distribution of aid for purposes other than the interests of the beneficiaries.

"It's a pity that they need help. That's when they pay a higher price or the goods they get don't match their needs, for example by packaging the aid," he said.

In several field visits, Risma did not hesitate to ask in detail all matters related to the provision of commodities for Non-Cash Food Assistance (BPNT)/Sembako Cards to beneficiaries.

On that occasion, Risma called assistants, regional heads, social services, Himbara representatives, suppliers, and related parties. The Minister of Social Affairs cross-checks if it is felt that there is a discrepancy in the distribution of aid.

This was done by the Minister of Social Affairs, for example, during a visit to Pekalongan City. On that occasion, the Minister of Social Affairs had a long dialogue with Rudiyanto (48).

The Minister of Social Affairs is exploring to ensure that the price of food commodities purchased at E-Warong must be at a reasonable price. "KPM also cannot be given goods in packages. Because it is not necessarily in accordance with their needs," he said accompanied by Pekalongan Mayor A. Afzan Arslan Djunaidi. Risma seemed unable to hide her disappointment because she found the prices of goods were expensive and the goods were also given in packages to KPM BPNT/Sembako Cards.

"I have prepared a system that allows KPM to choose goods according to their needs. Later, E-warong will compete with other stores. It's a pity if poor people get higher prices," he said.

He asked all parties to oversee the distribution of social assistance by complying with the principles of accountability and budget transparency.

Risma also invited the Pekalongan City Forkopimda ranks and the local community to jointly break the pandemic chain.

"I ask the regional head to also supervise and ensure that aid recipients receive assistance in accordance with the provisions. Don't reduce it, sorry," said Risma.