The Basic Food Assistance Distribution Runs with No Barriers, the Head of RW Claims the Data is Valid

BEKASI (May 27, 2020) - "Thank God, there are no obstacles from our residents in 12 neighbourhood units (RT)," said the head of community units (RW) 011 of Jakasampurna, West Bekasi, Nurhadi when asked about the obstacles he experienced during the process of distributing basic food assistance.

Furthermore, he explained the mechanism he used in distributing the assistance. "We did register the residents from each RT who need assistance so there are no complaints in this matter," he added.

He said that this happened because of the good cooperation between the heads of RT and RW. "We came door to door to check whether the residents have the most rights in receiving the assistance. Then we prioritize them," he explained.

In addition, good communication between the residents and the heads of RT and RW is an essential matter for the social assistance distribution so that residents are well informed and do not have to feel disadvantaged.

"Sometimes we found that there were some residents who have decent life but still receive the assistance. We gave them an understanding that it is better to assist those who much more in need," said Nurhadi.

He also added that the heads of RT and RW had not had any miscommunication. Therefore, the distribution of the assistance has been running smoothly with no obstacles or whatsoever.

The Ministry of Social Affairs, as it is known, distributed basic food assistance from the President to 1.9 million families affected by COVID-19 in Jabodetabek. Each family (KK) will receive six times the distribution of the assistance. Currently, the Bodetabek region has entered the third stage.

A total of 914 basic food packages were received by RW 011,  Jakasampurna, West Bekasi. Each head of RT then worked hard to distribute the food packages directly to residents' homes.

Yulianingsih (37), a housewife who received the assistance, said that her family financial condition was being sluggish since the COVID-19 outbreak. However, she was grateful that government assistance was coming.

"(My husband) works as a labourer. Sometimes in some projects, he works as a mason. My family economy is somewhat disturbed. Thank you very much to Mr President, Mr Minister of Social Affairs. I feel very helped by this gift from the government," she said emotionally.

The same condition was experienced by Siti Khodijah (33). Her husband works as a courier for household furniture. She said that her family was also affected by COVID-19.

"It affects my family a lot since I have a baby. We cannot afford to buy milk for the baby. I am very grateful not because of the pandemic but the government assistance. It is very helpful," she replied.

As for Warsono (46), a resident of RT 01 who works as a porridge seller, hopes that he can continue his business soon after the large-scale social restrictions (PSBB) are relaxed.

"I sold porridge. At that time, since the road was closed, I didn't sell it anymore. Hopefully, the PSBBB is relaxed so I can sell the porridge again. Thank you to the government, this (assistance) helps our family," he said.