Cash Social Assistance: Connecting Hope in the Middle of the Jungle

Social Minister Juliari P. Batubara emphasized the government's high commitment and seriousness to the quality of life and social functioning of indigenous communities in Indonesia. Facing the Covid-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Social Affairs ensures that Remote Indigenous Communities (KAT) are included in the Social Safety Net (JPS) scheme through the provision of Cash Social Assistance (BST) and basic food.

The absence of population documents, in this case the Identity Card (KTP), which is a classic problem, does not cut off KAT residents' access to the JPS scheme intervention. "This can be overcome with a temporary identity card. Indigenous people can still get assistance, while the process of making ID cards is still ongoing,” said Social Minister Juliari in Jakarta (11/08).

Apart from the aid funds, families that are included in the KAT empowerment program also receive other assistance, including household utensils, plant seeds for planting crops and assistance.