Jakarta. President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo is considering extending rice food aid, originally set to expire in June, until December, contingent upon the sufficiency of the State Budget (APBN). 

"This is the fourth month (of rice aid distribution); it will continue in the following months until June," said Jokowi during his inspection of rice stocks at the Bulog Manggis warehousing complex in Bungo Regency, Jambi, on Thursday.

The government is distributing 10 kilograms of free rice to 22 million beneficiary families (KPM) until June 2024.

Jokowi said the government intends to persist with food assistance programs, albeit contingent upon the availability of the State Budget (APBN).

"We will reassess the APBN later; if the budget permits, it will be extended until December. However, I cannot make any promises because I need to review the APBN first. If the budget allows upon review in June, the program will continue; otherwise, it won't. I'm simply being honest," explained Jokowi.

During the event, Jokowi also distributed rice aid, saying, "Everyone's faces were bright in the morning, everyone's smiling, even during fasting."

Meanwhile, Khoirul Anwar, one of the beneficiaries, expressed gratitude for the assistance provided, noting its significance, particularly amidst rising rice prices.

Joining Jokowi was Public Works and Public Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono, Head of the National Food Agency (Bapanas) Arief Prasetyo Adi, Governor of Jambi Al Haris, and Regent of Bungo Mashuri.

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