Minister ensures smooth social assistance distribution during Eid

Jakarta (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment Muhaimin Iskandar confirmed that the disbursement of social assistance will proceed uninterrupted during the Eid period.

Speaking after the Eid prayer at the Istiqlal Mosque, Jakarta, on Monday, Iskandar stated that social assistance will continue to be distributed according to the current quarterly period, including during the Eid holiday period.

"We use DTSEN (National Integrated Socio-Economic Data) for this second batch of distribution," he informed.

Earlier, the government planned to commence the distribution of social assistance, such as the Family Hope Program (PKH) from the Ministry of Social Affairs, in the second quarter of 2025.

The minister also revealed that the government has introduced stimulus measures, including social assistance, during the homecoming and Eid holiday period to support community economic activities.

"We are accelerating direct assistance, including various scenarios that have been prepared," Iskandar stated.

According to the minister, the government believes the distributed assistance can help increase people's purchasing power in various regions, especially during this year's homecoming and Eid holidays.

He also called on the public to work with the government to drive economic movement in the country.

"The most important aspect is we understand the weight of the (economy) challenges, especially those stemming from the policies of the United States," he pointed out.

Iskandar attended the Eid al-Fitr prayer at the Istiqlal Mosque with President Prabowo Subianto and Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka. Other ministers and deputy ministers of the Red and White Cabinet, including Coordinating Minister for Food Zulkifli Hasan, Coordinating Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, and Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Pratikno, along with other officials, were also present.

Following the Eid prayers, President Prabowo is scheduled to have an open house at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta, welcoming former presidents and vice presidents, state officials, ambassadors, international institutions, religious figures, community leaders, and the general public for the Eid celebrations.