Jakarta – Jakarta gubernatorial candidate Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono has revealed that he will endorse a cash assistance program called Temporary Direct Assistance (BLS) if he is elected the next governor of the capital.
Under the program, poor families, including homeless people and beggars, could receive Rp 5 million (US$374) in cash every year, Agus said.
"We hope the assistance will allow them to have a better life and become more competitive," Agus, who is the son of former president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, said during a press briefing at a restaurant in South Jakarta, on Monday. In addition to the cash assistance, he added, poor families could also access training programs.
The Agus-Sylviana Murni ticket has revealed that the BLS program would cost the city Rp 650 million annually.
"The nature of this assistance is temporary. That's why this program is also complemented by long-term programs such as training so they can work and generate income," the former middle-ranking military officer said.