Only 60 percent of Jakarta food subsidy absorbed

DKI JAKARTA - JAKARTA. Jakarta’s food subsidy program has seen an absorption rate of 60 percent as the year comes to a close.  

Economic bureau acting head Sri Haryati said the subsidized food had not been distributed to all areas in Jakarta, while the subsidy budget would be increased to Rp 1 trillion (US$69.2 million) with an absorption target of 90 percent in 2019.

The budget prepared for the food subsidy this year was Rp 885 billion.

“Maybe one of the obstacles is distribution,” said Sri after inaugurating Fish Angke Mart in Muara Angke, North Jakarta as reported by kompas.com on Wednesday.

The subsidized food was only distributed to 75 points in traditional markets in Jakarta, she added.

To increase subsidy absorption, her agency planned to set up additional distribution points.

The targets of the subsidy are Jakarta Smart Card holders, low-cost apartment residents, seniors and disabled people.

The subsidy recipients could buy beef for Rp 35,000 per kilogram, chicken for Rp 8,000 per kg and mackerel for Rp 13,000 per kg, which are lower than market prices. Subsidy recipients can also buy premium quality rice, eggs and milk at lower prices.