Rampant Extortion of Cash Social Assistance (BST), Officials Ready to Take Firm Action Against Perpetrators

Kapanlagi.com - Cash Social Assistance (BST) is given by the government to alleviate the burden of the people's lives, especially for those experiencing economic difficulties during this pandemic.

Unfortunately, there is unpleasant news that follows, where BST is apparently rampant as a place for extortion by some individuals. The government will take firm action against the perpetrators of BST extortion.

Many Reports of BST Deductions in Several Regions

The government has taken firm action following the discovery of reports regarding BST deductions in several regions. The government will take firm action against irresponsible individuals who engage in illegal BST collections.

"Immediately report to the authorities if BST recipients are asked for compensation or charged fees in order to receive the BST," said Minister of Communication and Information Johnny G Plate, Monday (9/8/2021).

BST Received by the Community Must be in Full Amount

Furthermore, the Minister of Communication and Information stated that in the BST program, the community should receive assistance in full without any deductions or fees. If there are irresponsible individuals who deduct or charge fees to the beneficiaries of the received BST, immediately report it to law enforcement officers.

"The government ensures that it will take firm action against irresponsible individuals who collect fees or demand compensation from BST beneficiaries for the assistance they receive," he said.

BST Distribution Will be More Strictly Monitored

The Minister of Communication and Information also ensures that in the implementation of BST distribution, the government will closely monitor it so that the community can receive and benefit from it. According to him, the purpose of the government's distribution of BST to the community is to alleviate the burden of the people during the pandemic, especially during the PPKM period.

Minister Johnny also explained that the government has provided various types of assistance, one of which is BST, amounting to Rp300,000 per month. For the months of May and June 2021, two months' worth of assistance will be distributed, totaling 600,000 rupiah per Family Beneficiary (KPM).

As for the detailed breakdown, he continued, Cash Social Assistance (BST) for 10 million KPM is Rp300,000/month/KPM for the months of May and June, with disbursement in July 2021. The BST budget receives additional funds for 5.9 million KPM that will be distributed for 4 months, from July to December 2021.

"Thus, in total, BST is intended for 15.9 million KPM with a budget of Rp 24.54 trillion. The distribution of BST is carried out through PT Pos Indonesia," said Minister of Communication and Information Johnny.

(kly/tmi)