President Jokowi Starts Distributing BLT El Nino

PEKALONGAN (13 December 2023) - El Nino Cash Transfer Assistance (BLT) has begun to be distributed.  It was carried out by President of Republic of Indonesia Joko Widodo accompanied by Director General of Social Protection and Security of Ministry of Social Affairs Robben Rico at Post Office, Pekalongan City, Central Java, Wednesday (13/12) 

The El Nino phenomenon occurs due to the warming of sea surface temperatures above normal conditions that occur in the Pacific Ocean.  This condition has had an impact on the occurrence of extreme weather such as drought in Indonesia since August 2023.

The drought caused the harvest to fail for some commodities, resulting in low stocks on the market which had an impact on rising prices of various commodities, including rice.

The increase in prices has weakened people's purchasing power, so the government is distributing BLT El Nino to maintain stability and protect vulnerable and poor communities affected.

"Because the heat is long, the prices of necessities have risen, especially rice, which is covered by this (BLT El Nino)," said President Jokowi in front of Beneficiary Families (KPM) in Pekalongan.

The assistance provided is worth IDR 200,000 per month and given over 2 months in November and December 2023, so that KPM immediately receives assistance for 2 months’ worth IDR 400,000.  This was conveyed by Director General of Social Protection and Security of Ministry of Social Affairs, Robben Rico.

"Yes, assistance is given per month IDR 200,000. For November and December, it is given directly at the same time, so IDR 400,000," said Robben when met by the media after the distribution of aid in Pekalongan.

El Nino Direct Cash Assistance was distributed to 18.8 million beneficiary families (KPM) who have been registered in the Integrated Social Welfare Data (DTKS) and are recorded as KPM assistance for the basic food program/Non-Cash Food Assistance (BPNT) and KPM Assistance for Family Hope Program (PKH) who receive the basic food/BPNT program.

Amalia Dwi Lestari (42), one of KPM recipients, expressed her gratitude for this assistance.  "Thank God, I am happy to receive the assistance provided by the president, BLT El Nino, which can help my family, thank you to Ministry of Social Affairs, thank you to Mr President Joko Widodo," she said.

BLT El Nino is distributed through banks, namely the Association of State-Owned Banks (Himbara) and PT.  POS Indonesia.  Through Himbara bank, KPM can directly withdraw aid funds via the channeling bank's ATM or the channeling bank's branch office.

If through PT.  Pos Indonesia, KPM can get help at the post office or a designated place.  Meanwhile, KPM who have limited mobility will be delivered to their respective residences by PT POS Indonesia.