Social Ministry Launches E-Warong In Tangerang City

TANGERANG, Banten, Jan 12 (Antara) - The Ministry of Social Affairs has launched electronic-Warong (e-Warong), an electronic-based aid distribution program, to help poor citizens get easy access to basic necessities, through a non-cash payment system, in Cimone Jaya Village, Tangerang City, Banten Province. Tangerang is 41st of the 44 districts/cities targeted to implement the e-Warong program this year, as part of the government's plan to implement a non-cash social assistance system, Social Minister Khofifah Indar Parawansa stated here, Thursday. Citizens can make use of the fund assistance through an electronic card to buy basic necessities such as rice, cooking oil and meat at cheaper prices, as they are subsidized by the government. "In the E-Warong program, citizens can spend the social assistance, that is buy basic necessities through the non-cash scheme; deposit funds or withdraw cash, pay electricity, telephone and water supply bills; and also make installment payments," she affirmed. As an extension of the banking system to provide non-cash assistance to the citizens, the beneficiaries of the e-Warong program will be able to manage their own finances. "The social assistance can be directly used to buy necessities. If the beneficiaries do not utilize the assistance it will become savings," she confirmed. The Minister also reminded citizens that they must use the funds appropriately. "Do not buy cigarettes. This aid must be used to meet household needs. So, please take advantage of this program," she pleaded. The Social Ministry had earlier targeted 3,000 e-Warong to provide the digital-based financial aid to citizens by 2017. As directed by President Joko Widodo, all social assistance must be disbursed in the form of non-cash payments and banking services to the poor citizens.