BLT BBM as a Social 'Bearing' Reinforcement, Supporting the Economy of Poor Family

"Actually, this BBM BLT is a strengthening of social support so that people can face the situation that changed frequently, especially the increasing in commodity prices which can indeed affect the purchasing power of the poor," said Harry.

He, then, explained a statement from the Ministry of Finance which stated that BLT BBM could reduce the poverty rate by 0.3%. "So, the mindset is, if the calculation of the Ministry of Finance from the social assistance support can reduce poverty by 1%. If the BLT BBM is only limited in number, but if it is combined with other BLT, of course this will affect and at least it can keep the poverty rate not to get higher again," he said firmly.

Currently, said Harry, the Ministry of Social Affairs together with some ministries have agreed not only to rely on the social assistance scheme, but also to educate the beneficiaries so that people can use social assistance in a more productive way.

"This is something we should take into account. We (Ministry of Social Affairs) and other ministries have agreed not to rely on the social assistance scheme, but there must be an effort to educate the public, that the money received is not for mere consumptive needs, but can be used for additional business capital," he said.

So, he continued, productive economic businesses can use the social assistance so that it can be used for social empowerment and economic empowerment. "This also needs to be understood by the wider community, so that the social assistance they receive does not cause a dependency effect on the community," he stressed.

According to him, a number of social protection schemes, in the current situation, are not sourced from BLT BBM, but he also asks to see their relationship with other social protection or social protection schemes from the non-cash food assistance Program and Family Hope Program.

"It's not just BLT BBM, because at the same time, non-cash food assistance program is distributed Rp. 200,000/month. If the BLT BBM is Rp. 300,000 for September, then another Rp.300,000 is for December. However, the basic necessities have been disbursed this September. In October, Rp. 200,000 will be given, then Rp. 200,000 will be given to beneficiaries in November. Besides, there is also Family Hope Program," he added.

The distribution of BLT BBM began on September 1, 2022, which was marked by the symbolic handing over of BLT BBM by President Joko Widodo to 100 beneficiaries for Non-Cash Food Assistance and Family Hope Program in Jayapura Regency, Sentani, last week (31/8).

This BLT BBM is targeted by the government for 20.65 million beneficiaries. Meanwhile, the distribution of BLT BBM is done through PT. Pos Indonesia for four months, from September to December 2022 with the amount of Rp. 150,000. However, the distribution mechanism is divided into two stages, namely the first stage of Rp. 300,000 in September and the second stage of Rp. 300,000 in December, so the total assistance received by each KPM is Rp. 600,000.