JAKARTA (ANTARA) – State Logistics Agency (Bulog) Chief Director Budi Waseso distributed rice aid to 10,844 beneficiary families in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan on Saturday.
„Rice stipends are distributed in September, October and November,” he said in a statement issued here the same day.
He said the government aims to provide rice assistance to 21.3 million beneficiary families every month till November, with 10 kilograms of rice provided to each family.
„Every month, 213 thousand tons (of rice) will be distributed to the beneficiaries from the Pulak warehouses, so the total for the three months will be 640 thousand tons,” he said.
Some users expressed gratitude for the help. One of them, Noor Arbayah, said she was happy and touched to receive direct assistance to help her meet her daily needs.
„Today, I received 10 kg rice aid from Mr. President. I am very happy to receive this. I hope this aid will continue as our life is already difficult,” he added.
Nasira, another resident who received rice aid, thanked the government and Bullock.
„Thanks to the government and Bullock, I have already received help. It will ease our living burdens and I hope it continues,” he said.
East Kalimantan Food, Food Crops and Horticulture Office Head Sidi Farisya Yana and East Kalimantan Pulak Regional Head Amrullah attended the rice donation event.
Earlier, Bulog reported that it has secured 1.6 million tonnes of rice for government rice stockpiles.
The government is distributing 210 tonnes of rice aid per month to the people from September to November to mitigate the adverse impact of the El Nino heat event.
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