BST Helps Daily Traders in the Midst COVID-19 Pandemic Period

Director General of Social Empowerment Edi Suharto directly observed the distribution of Cash Social Assistance (BST) in Sumberjaya District and Jatiwangi District, Majalengka Regency. Director of Remote Indigenous Community (KAT) Empowerment, Head of Sub Directorate for KAT empowerment, Head of Section for KAT identification, and the Head of Public Relations of Directorate General of Social Empowerment.

A total of 22,100 households in Majelangka Regency received BST worth Rp. 600,000 per month starting from April to June 2020. BST is a program of assistance allocated to non-Jabodetabek beneficiaries who is also outside the recipient of the Family Hope Program (PKH) and Non-Cash Food Aid (BPNT).

Arisbaena, one of the BST recipients in Jatiwangi Village, expressed gratitude for the assistance that he received.

"I am a daily construction worker. But, because of Corona I cannot go to work. This assistance is very useful to meet the daily needs of our family," said Aris. This is the second social assistance that he got. He claimed that he could not work again because of Covid-19.

Another case with Aris, Tarkim (60) a home-based cake trader claimed that his profits selling cakes were greatly decreased even there is no income anymore. "With this assistance, basic needs will be spent to start a business again," he said.

The distribution of Cash Social Assistance (BST) in Sumberjaya District Office and Jatiwangi District Majalengka Regency is running smoothly, well, and still paying attention to health protocols according to the instruction of the central government. Starting from washing hands, keeping a distance, and wearing masks are applied in the BST distribution process.

Edi Suharto said that Ministry of Social Affairs always monitor the distribution of social assistance received by the community can be equal. The parameters used to help the social assistance can be delivered right on the target.

"Today I do a monitoring the process of distribution of BST in Sumberjaya and Jatiwangi Districts. It runs very smoothly and in an orderly manner. I do really appreciate it and there is no double data," explained Edi.

Director of Remote Indigenous Community Empowerment, Laode Taufiq, added that related to the current issue which is about double data occurred and it will be solved immediately.

"Regarding to the irregularities during the distribution of Social Assistance in the field, we will conduct an outreach with a direct completion mechanism in the field," said La Ode.

The distribution location is carried out in the sub-district office with the purpose that the COVID-19 health protocol can be passed because the space in the post office seems to be limited. This month is the second phase of distribution in Majalengka Regency. The first phase distributed last month through the Majalengka Post Office.

Sri Pujiati, Head of Majalengka Post Office, said that the distribution of Cash Social Assistance (BST) in Majalengka Regency ran very smoothly.

"The number of KPM on the 2nd Phase is 22,100 households which distributed from June 6-8, 2020. The local government provides a place in the sub-district office, one of which is in the Jatiwangi sub-district office, which has been provided with hand-washing facilities and applies physical distancing for safety. Our officers also use masks while serving the citizens "explained Sri.

Head of Jatiwangi Sub-District, Roni Setiawan, explained that Jatiwangi people obeys the health protocol, start from washing their hands, sitting at a distance, and wearing masks. Before BST distribution is carried out, the staff always socializes in advance about the health protocol. Most of Jatiwangi residents are daily traders and laborers, so they feel very grateful to get helped by the existence of this BST.

Ms. Rum, the seller of chicken noodles, is very grateful for the help. A mother of two children who has not a husband said that her income becomes very low lately. She will use this assistance to buy rice and other basic needs.

"I hope that this assistance can help to fulfil the needs of my family. And hopefully this corona will be finished quickly so I can get back to work again," explained Rum.

The Head of Jatiwangi Subdistrict and Head of Majalengka Post Office, Head of Jatiwangi Village, Head of Burujulkulon Village, Secretary of Social Service of Majalengka Regency, Head of Social Empowerment of Social Service of Majalengka Regency, TKSK Jatiwangi, and Head of Jatiwangi Post Office.