Jakarta Vice Governor, Ahmad Riza Patria (Ariza) became one of the speakers in Balkoters Talk which held with theme Effectiveness of Social Cash Assistance (BST) in Supporting People's Welfare During the Pandemic on Wednesday (3/10).

It drives the economy

In this virtual activity, Ariza said that BST was considered to bring more sense of justice. According to him, logistic assistance couldn't move economic broadly. But now it is different since BST recipients can freely shop for groceries. They can buy groceries from traders around their houses.

"It drives the economy. Money circulation is evenly distributed throughout the region. At least there are a lot of advantages compared to before. The value is fixed with many choices, according to the needs, then economy moves evenly. Small communities, small businesses around residential areas can grow," he explained.

Regarding monitoring, he stated that Jakarta Government emphasized the use of BST was only to buy groceries, not to buy cigarettes, or even liquor.

"Thus we send them bank saving books and cards. Then the money is transferred from bank to each recipients accounts. Later, they can withdraw the money from ATM. That is the pattern we are implementing," he mentioned.

He continued, there were two types of assistance provided for residents, from Central Government and Jakarta Government. He guaranteed no levies charged in distributing this aid.

For information, this event was also attended by Jakarta Social Agency Head, Premi Lasari; Jakarta Council (DPRD) Commission E Member, Rany Maulani; and Public Policy Observer, Trubus Rahardiansyah.