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View all search resultsJokowi questioned over his criticism of govt relief program
CoordinatingPeople's Welfare Minister Agung Laksono approached Jakarta Governor Joko'Jokowi' Widodo on Tuesday overthe latter's critical stance on the central government's plannedcash-assistance program, designed as compensation for the increasingprice of subsidized fuel
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C
oordinatingPeople's Welfare Minister Agung Laksono approached Jakarta Governor Joko'Jokowi' Widodo on Tuesday overthe latter's critical stance on the central government's plannedcash-assistance program, designed as compensation for the increasingprice of subsidized fuel.
Jokowi, who made headlines following his media statements criticizing the government's temporary direct cash assistance (BLSM) program, was suddenly approached by Agung while the two, among others, were walking out the State Palace after attending a meeting with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono.
'Why are you not favoring the BLSM?' Agung, who at the time was with Public Housing Minister Djan Faridz, asked Jokowi. The Jakarta governor then slowed his walk to explain to the minister.
'I am not rejecting [the BLSM], but in my opinion, it would be better if the money was used as incentives to productive small businesses,' Jokowi said.
The three then had a small discussion for about a minute.
Agung's ministry is in charge of the BLSM, as well as other programs designed by the government to compensate the poor, who will be heavily burdened by the increase of fuel prices.
Agung's Golkar Party and Djan's United Development Party (PPP) are members of the government coalition. Jokowi's Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) sided with three other political parties to reject the government's plan to increase subsidized fuel prices during a plenary meeting at the House of Representatives on Monday.
