REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) said that the government is committed to the welfare of the people. One of them, through the provision of food aid in the form of rice.

“This is the fourth, it will be continued to the next month until June,” Jokowi said while reviewing the availability of rice at Bulog Manggis Warehousing Complex, Bungo Regency, Jambi Province, quoted from a press release by the Presidential Secretariat on Thursday (4/4/2024).

Jokowi said, the government will continue providing the food aid. However, the policy will still depend on the availability of the State Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBN).

“Later we will look again at the state budget, if the budget allows, it will be forwarded again until December. But no promise, yes because I will open the State Budget first later in June, if it is opened, the budget can be passed on, but if not possible, no. I say it as it is,” he said.

Meanwhile, Khoirul Anwar, one of the beneficiaries from Bungo District, expressed his gratitude for the assistance provided. According to him, such food aid helped ease the burden when rice prices were rising.

“Yes, it helps a lot, now the rice price position is soaring, so this (aid) is quite helpful for us. This is the fourth time, thank God it really helped,” Khoirul said.

Senada, Asmirawati, another resident, claimed to be able to shift the rice spending budget to buy other necessities. “The rice in the rising market is increasing, the money can't afford to buy. Now we have rice, thank God we don't buy it anymore,” Asmirawati said.

She also hopes that the assistance provided can continue because it is considered to provide many tangible benefits for herself and other communities. “Hopefully ask Mr. Jokowi for the future his help will not be exhausted, help can continue,” Asmirawati said.

Accompanying the President in this review were Minister of Public Works and Public Housing Basuki Hadimuljono, Head of the National Food Agency Arief Prasetyo Adi, Governor Jambi Al Haris, and Regent Bungo Mashuri.

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