Govt Postpones Cash Handout Program

Bandung (Antara Bali) - The government has decided to postpone its cash handout (BLSM) program for the poor as a result of delayed increase in the prices of subsidized fuel oils, a minister said.

"When it comes to BLSM, we have decided to put it on hold. The program will only apply if the prices of subsidized fuel oils increase," National Development Planning Minister Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, who is also chief of the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) said here on Tuesday.

Speaking to the press after attending a meeting on West Java province's development planning of 2012 at Horison Hotel here, the minister said not only BLSM but also other related programs had been postponed.

Since the government's plan to raise the prices of subsidized fuel oils was postponed, the government must find additional funds of Rp4-5 trillion every month to cover fuel subsidy, she said.

"The budget falls short of need. The oil price continues to increase, prompting the government to find additional funds every month. The amount of funds reaches Rp4-5 trillion per months as a result of delayed increase in the prices of subsidized fuel oils," she said.(IGT)