Ministry of Social Affairs Disburses PKH Social Assistance IDR 6.53 Trillion in the Early of Fasting Month

JAKARTA (17 April 2021) - The Ministry of Social Affairs distributed cash social assistance for the Family Hope Program (PKH) amounting to IDR 6.53 trillion to coincide with the early of the fasting month of Ramadan 1442 H.

"The disbursement of this assistance is for phase II, it happens in April, so it coincides with the early of the fasting month," said the Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini in a written statement, Saturday (17/4).

The IDR 6.53 trillion Social Assistance Program, continued the Minister, is targeting 9,074,584 PKH Beneficiary Families (KPM) scattered throughout the country.

With the disbursement of PKH assistance, it is hoped that it can reduce the burden on family expenses in the month of Ramadan because this month's expenses, in general, tend to be different from normal days.

"The month of fasting spending will increase to meet the needs of sahur, as well as iftar, to buy takjil or to buy other additional food," he said.

The disbursement of PKH social assistance is also expected to help accelerate economic recovery due to the pandemic. "The more money circulating, the higher the people's purchasing power," said the former Mayor of Surabaya for the two periods.

If purchasing power increases, said Risma, then small traders will also be affected. Merchandise sells and traders make a profit.

PKH is a conditional assistance for families that fulfill one or more components. The components referred to are the Health Components with the categories of pregnant women and children under five; Education component with the category of elementary school or equivalent, junior high school or equivalent, and senior high school or equivalent; as well as the Social Welfare Component in the category of elderly over 70 years old and in the category of severe disabilities.

In disbursing social assistance, the Ministry of Social Affairs collaborates with the Association of State Banks (Himbara). Social assistance is channeled directly through the accounts of each KPM PKH, "They can disburse (social assistance) at joint ATMs, e-warongs, and bank agents appointed by the channeling bank," concluded Risma.