Distribution of Basic Food Assistance for Vulnerable and Marginalized Communities

BENGKULU (May 19, 2020) – Seeing the condition of the COVID-19 pandemic that continues to increase day by day in Bengkulu Province makes people worry because they are unable to do activities to make a living.

For this reason, the Ministry of Social Affairs, through the “Dharma Guna” Mental Center in Bengkulu, will distribute Basic Food Social Assistance packages to vulnerable and marginalized communities affected by COVID-19 in 10 Regencies/Cities in Bengkulu Province at the launch today, with a target of distributing 800 basic food packages which will be divided into three stages.

According to Dardi, the Head of Center, explained that for today’s first stage, (19/05) 150 packages of Basic Food Social Assistance will be distributed in 2 (two) locations, namely Bengkulu City, consisting of 93 packages through Social Welfare Institutions (LKS), Inclusion Community Partners (MMI), and Bengkulu City Social Service as well as 57 packages through North Bengkulu Regency Social Service. The second stage will be distributed to 245 Groceries Social Assistance in Kepahiang, Rejang Lebong, and Lebong Regencies which will be implemented on May 21, 2020, then the third stage will be distributed to Muko-Muko District, Central Bengkulu, Seluma, South Bengkulu, and Kaur Regency with a total of 405 packages will be carried out on May 28, 2020, after Eid al-Fitr.

The Head of Bengkulu City Social Service, Bujang AR, expressed his gratitude to the Ministry of Social Affairs for helping the people of Bengkulu City affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"This assistance is very useful for people who are experiencing an economic setback," said Bujang.

The distribution of basic food social assistance activities ran smoothly and the community responded well. One of the aid recipients, Aini Zalia, expressed her gratitude to the President of the Republic of Indonesia and the Minister of Social Affairs who have provided direct food assistance to us so that we can be helped during these difficult times and can benefit our family.