Jokowi Orders Minister Of Social Affairs: Social Assistance Don't Be Late, Food Assistance This Week Must Come Out

JAKARTA - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) ordered Social Minister Tri Rismaharini to ensure the distribution of social assistance is accelerated. Jokowi does not want social assistance to be delayed in the midst of implementing emergency PPKM and micro PPKM (Restrictions on Community Activities).

“Regarding social assistance, I ask that it be not too late, whether it is PKH (Keluarga Harapan Program), whether it is village BLT (Cash Direct Assistance), whether it is cash assistance, don't be late, and most importantly, this week's basic food aid must come out. Hurry up, really speed it up", Jokowi said in a video uploaded to the Presidential Secretariat's Youtube, Saturday, July 17.

“I ask the Head of Logistics and Mainly the Minister of Social Affairs not to hesitate because the principle is that the most important thing is that we don't steal, we don't take. The procedure, please be accompanied by BPKP (Financial and Development Supervisory Agency)", continued Jokowi during the virtual emergency PPKM evaluation on Friday, July 16.

In addition, Jokowi wants free medicine packages for COVID-19 sufferers who are self-isolating. Previously, Jokowi had already distributed food packages and medicines during a visit to Sunter Agung, North Jakarta.

“The provision of free medicines, medicines, free vitamin supplements to the people is very much appreciated but the amount is very, very lacking. Last night I went to the village almost all of them were happy and asked for the medicine, please help because yesterday the plan for the first stage is 300 (thousand) the second stage is 300 (thousand) which means 600 thousand, I ask the finance minister to prepare at least two million packages. It's not a big budget, but the people feel calm because they have the goods", Jokowi said.