President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) distributed social assistance to communities and traders at Cicaheum Market in Bandung, West Java Province, on Sunday, which marked the start of his working visit to the province.

The President and First Lady Iriana Joko Widodo arrived at the market at 9.21 a.m. local time and distributed the assistance, which included the working capital assistance (BMK) that could be used as an additional business capital.

According to an official statement received here, the assistance was given in the form of direct cash assistance (BLT) for the Family Hope Program (PKH) beneficiaries and working capital assistance (BMK) for market traders and street vendors.

“This morning, just like in other provinces, I distributed basic needs assistance to PKH beneficiaries and also provided additional business capital, additional work capital, to traders at the market, to street vendors,” the President told reporters on the sidelines of his visit to Cicaheum Market.

The President also reviewed the condition of the Cicaheum Market, which was already not in good condition and expressed readiness to help renovate the market if needed.

“I asked the (West Java) governor, the (Bandung) mayor, regarding this market. If it needs to be renovated, we are ready to renovate it,” he remarked.

Since the traditional market is a Regional-Owned Enterprises (BUMD), if the government supports the renovation, the support will be provided to the BUMD, he added.

“I have offered to renovate (the market),” he said.

During his visit to Cicaheum Market, President Jokowi was accompanied by Social Affairs Minister Tri Rismaharini, West Java Governor Ridwan Kamil, and Bandung Mayor Yana Mulyana.

Source: Antara News