Antara, Jakarta – President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) said rice aid was a concrete step to ease the citizens' burden.

"This is something to be grateful for, you know. All countries are currently experiencing difficulties due to rising food prices," said President Jokowi in his speech at the food aid handover event at the Kirambu Square Tennis Court, North Kolaka Regency, Southeast Sulawesi, Tuesday, May 14, 2024.

In an official statement from the Press Bureau of the Presidential Secretariat received in Jakarta, on Tuesday, the President emphasized the importance of food support from the government for citizens amidst rising global food prices.

The President confirmed that 10 kilograms of rice aid has been distributed regularly and will continue to be provided until June 2024, in the hope that it can continue until December "if the State Budget suffice."

Additionally, the President also explained that the increase in prices of rice and other food at the global level was the result of various external factors. This includes climate conditions such as El Nino and geopolitical conflicts that affect food supply chain distribution channels.

"This also occurred in all countries where the price hike exceeded ours due to long drought and El Nino, and because the transportation is challenging at the time because of the war in Palestine and Ukraine," said Jokowi.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1867996/jokowi-rice-aid-is-concrete-step-to-ease-citizens-burde