Basic Food and BST Programs in the Border Area between Countries

SAMBAS (November 22, 2020) – The Director General of Poverty Handling (PFM), Asep Sasa Purnama accompanied by the Director of PFM Region II, I Wayan Wirawan, visited the Aruk Cross-Border Post (PLBN), Sajingan Besar District, Sambas Regency, West Kalimantan. Also accompanying the Head of the West Kalimantan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Joni Isnaini, the Head of the West Kalimantan Provincial Social Office, Golda M. Purba, and representatives of PT Pos Indonesia, Cepe Kusnadi (22/11).

The Director General of PFM said that the distribution of the Basic Food Program and Cash Social Assistance (BST) must also reach the border areas between countries. The Director General of PFM also conveyed that the success of the Basic Food and BST Program could improve the economy of the surrounding area. "In addition to the success of the Basic Food Program and BST, we also participated in the success of building economic development for people in border areas between countries," said the Director General of PFM in the discussion.

The Director of PFM Region II explained that currently the number of Beneficiary Families (KPM) of the Basic Food Program in Sambas Regency is 34,928 KPM, while the number of KPM for Cash Social Assistance (BST) is 7,949 KPM. Especially in Sajingan Besar District which is the location of the establishment of the Aruk PLBN, the number of KPM for the Basic Food Program that has been distributed is 562 KPM and KPM BST which has also been distributed is 143 KPM.

Secretary of the Social Service Office of Sambas Regency, Edi said that the food supply for the Sembako Program uses local products. "Especially in Sajingan Besar District, the food ingredients used in the distribution of the Basic Food Program are local products that are processed by local residents," he said.

The Head of Sajingan Besar Sub-district, Supardi, also stated the same thing regarding the use of local products. "We really urge the e-warong to use products from local farmers for the distribution of the Basic Food Program so that the welfare of the people at lower levels is well maintained," said the Head of the Sajingan Besar sub-district.