RT Personnel In Sawah Besar Collects Rp. 10 Thousand, From Residents Recipient Of Social Assistance

Illustration of illegal collection of social assistance funds

JAKARTA – RT members in the RW 09 area of Mangga Dua Selatan Sub-District, Sawah Besar, Central Jakarta are suspected of illegally levying social assistance funds (Pungli) from social assistance funds to beneficiaries of the Family Hope Program (PKH) from the Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos).

Knowing this practice, the Central Jakarta City Government is conducting a search in coordination with the Sawah Besar sub-district head, Prasetyo, to immediately conduct a search related to the news that emerged.

"We are currently investigating the problem. After we find out what the problem is, then we can take steps related to the case," Central Jakarta Mayor Dhany Sukma told reporters.

AN, a resident of RW 09, Mangga Dua Selatan Sub-District, admitted that he was asked to pay Rp. 10 thousand for each food delivery. AN said, the first collection took place in the middle and the end of last July.

The money was asked by the person to him where he lived. The person did not hesitate to ask for money from the social assistance fund directly and collect the ATM card of the beneficiary to withdraw the cash.

"The person said it was for transportation such as transporting rice. Usually, money is never asked for and this has only been twice," AN told reporters.

Furthermore, AN said that at the beginning of receiving the aid, the RT carried out the transportation to the location of the RW 09 post. Where later the residents took it to the post. "Even if it is small, it is difficult for us. Especially during a pandemic like this," said AN.

Apart from being asked for money to get social assistance, AN was also disappointed that the rice, which was said to be delivered to his home, had to be picked up at the RW 09 office.

In line with AN, another resident AA said that the person asked for Rp. 10 thousand only from families who received rice assistance.

"He goes to those who have a rice card. So, those who can get it, if they can't, don't ask for it. Ask them to go home," he said.

Meanwhile, the Head of Sawah Besar Subdistrict, Prasetyo, when confirmed separately, said that his party through the South Mangga Dua Village Head (MDS) had summoned the RT person for questioning.

"The person has been summoned by the MDS Lurah," he said briefly.

MDS Lurah Bayu Agata Bayu confirmed that his party had summoned the RT head to make clarifications and a statement. Meanwhile, regarding the sanctions given to RT individuals, he will first refer to Pergub 171.

"On Saturday, July 31, a summons was made to the RT in the kelurahan to make a statement and clarification. Actually, according to the RT person, the residents have agreed. But the collection of social assistance funds is not justified and wrong," explained Bayu to VOI, Monday. August 02.