The Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture has encouraged state-owned post service company PT Pos Indonesia and the regional government to expedite the distribution of social assistance for communities affected by COVID-19.

“The disbursal of social assistance is still in progress due to the enforcement of Level 4 community activity restrictions. The distribution is conducted at the post or the sub-district offices,” Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Muhadjir Effendy stated here on Monday.

Effendy urged the company to deliver aid comprising social cash and rice assistance directly to the recipients’ homes to avoid crowds. Hence, PT Pos Indonesia will collaborate with the local governments, National Police, and Indonesian National Defense Forces to expedite the distribution process.

Moreover, the minister stated that the government was handing out assistance in the form of the Family Hope Program, Non-Cash Food Assistance, as well as Village Fund Direct Assistance. The minister also reminded the local government to review the beneficiaries’ data. If they found any unregistered people in need, then the regional officers can register their names in the Integrated Social Welfare Data to enable them to receive the social assistance.

“If assistance from the Social Affairs Ministry and Village Fund is still inadequate, then the district and city heads are urged to provide social assistance by refocusing their regional budgets,” he stated.

According to Effendy, it was not permitted to cut the nominal of social assistance distributed to residents.

“Everything has to be handed out to the beneficiaries. Do not derive any personal benefits from this difficult situation,” he stressed.

Source: Antara News