GOVT TEMPORARILY STOPS BLT PROGRAM FOR POOR

Bandung, W Java, March 12 (ANTARA) - Coordinating Minister for the People's Welfare Agung Laksono said here on Friday the government would temporarily stop the cash handout program (BLT) for the poor this year.

"For the time being or this year, the program will not be budgeted," he said after visiting a social welfare institute (STKS).

He said the reason to stop the BLT program worth Rp300,000 a month per family was because the economy has been improving.

He said the concept of the program was that it was done based upon economic conditions in the country.

"If no dire situation like following fuel oil prices, financial crisis or sudden hike of prices of basic needs no budget will be provided for the program," he said.

He said however that other aid programs like the one for the aged people and school operations would remain.

"Other programs relating to people's welfare are still to be continued," he said.

His office, he said, even plans to launch various breakthrough programs such as health operations aid program (BOK), Ciliwung and Citarum river improvement program, railway area orderliness program, natural disaster program and village access development program.

He said he plans to prioritize the implementation of the programs in the eastern regions.