The ripple effect of the Covid-19 pandemic continues to shrivel Bali’s economy resulting in mass unemployment and poverty. Tabanan is currently one of the most impacted districts on the island.
(Image: ©The Bali Sun – I Wayan Yatika)
According to data from Tabanan Social Agency, 48,000 people are currently in poverty. The number continues to rise as more people lose their jobs as a result of the crisis.
The Head of Tabanan Social Agency, I Nyoman Gede Gunawan, said that all data regarding impoverished people in Tabanan has been recorded by the government to create an assistance program, such as cash assistance (BST) or similar aid donations.
(Image: ©The Bali Sun – I Wayan Yatika)
“It has become a lot worse these days, as many people working in the tourism sector are now unemployed. Some of them are too sick, so they can’t continue to work” said Gunawan during an interview on Friday (18/12).
He also asked the central government to extend the social safety net program to support the dire conditions.
(Image: ©The Bali Sun – I Wayan Yatika)
“Previously, 17,000 people in Tabanan received the social safety net program. I have requested the central government to add atleast 3,000 more people to receive cash assistance” Gunawan added.
He said that many people are currently being reviewed by the Indonesian Social Ministry to assure that they qualify for government assistance. “The previous cash assistance was USD 42 (IDR 600,000), we will see how much they grant this time” he concluded.
(Image: ©The Bali Sun – I Wayan Yatika)
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