PSI Distributes Rice Boxes For Independence Solidarity, Targets 1 Million Portions

PSI distributes independence solidarity rice boxes (PHOTO VIA ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Celebrating the 76th month of Indonesian Independence, the Indonesian Solidarity Party (PSI) distributed rice box packages throughout Indonesia in the "Rice Box Solidarity Independence" program. The target is to distribute one million portions to 100 cities and regencies.

"This 'Rice Box Solidarity of Independence' activity aims to help people who are self-isolating and affected by the COVID-19 pandemic," said PSI DPP General Chair Grace Natalie, at the launch of the 'Rice Box Solidarity of Independence' quoted by Antara, Sunday, August 1.

According to Grace, PSI's "Rice Box" has been implemented since last April, initiated by the board and members of the legislature who contributed, but since two weeks ago, PSI has invited public participation so that the scope of the "rice box" can be wider.

Grace admitted that she was surprised by the public's enthusiasm for supporting the program, in two weeks there were around 1,400 donors with a donation value of more than Rp2 billion or the equivalent of 200 thousand boxes of rice.

"The value of donations varies, some are Rp100 thousand, some are millions of rupiah. We are very grateful and touched by this extraordinary public participation. Thank you for placing your trust in PSI," said Grace.

According to Grace, with the help of donors, PSI can expand the reach of the recipients of the "Rice Box for Solidarity of Independence" to a number of regencies and cities in the country.

"If possible, with the help of generous donors, we can distribute 1 million rice boxes in 100 cities and regencies," said Grace.

Grace emphasized that what PSI was doing was only starting, hoping that similar activities could be contagious so that Indonesia could survive the difficult situation due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Helping others doesn't have to wait until we get rich. Only Rp10 thousand is enough, it means a lot to others," said Grace.

The launching event of 'Rice Box for Solidarity of Independence' was also intended as a form of openness and accountability to the public. For example, about the technical distribution and profile of beneficiaries.

PSI DPP chairman Isyana Bagoes Oka added that public participation increased the reach of the 'Rice Box for Solidarity of Independence' to be even wider.

There are two sharing locations featured in the launch event. The first was the launch by the Acting Secretary-General of the PSI DPP Dea Tunggaesti in Cilincing, North Jakarta, and the second was the launch by the Chairman of the Banten PSI DPW Azmi Abubakar in Ciputat, South Tangerang.

"For the two locations, incidentally, there is no division for self-isolation. Now, for those who are self-isolating, there is no direct contact. Food is placed on the fence or doorknob. We are very concerned about health protocols," said Isyana.