Central Kalimantan Governor Provides Free Basic Provisions Packages for Thousands of Students

Palangka Raya – Central Kalimantan Governor Agustiar Sabran provided free basic provisions packages to thousands of students during a Special Ramadan Market event for students in Palangka Raya on Wednesday, 11 March.

“We wish to help ease the burden on students so they can remain focused on their studies without worrying about essential needs such as rice, oil and sugar,” Agustiar said.

The provincial government recognises that student life is not always easy, particularly for those from remote districts who must live far from their families. “Many students come from humble backgrounds and must migrate from distant areas,” he added.

The Special Ramadan Market for students provided 3,000 basic provisions packages. Each package contained 5 kilograms of rice, 1 kilogram of sugar, 2 litres of cooking oil, and one tin of condensed milk, with an initial price of Rp144,750 per package. The provincial government then provided a subsidy of Rp134,750 per package, allowing each student to purchase each package for only Rp10,000.

Subsequently, the governor made the decision to reimburse the Rp10,000, making all provisions packages provided to students completely free. Additionally, each student received cash assistance of Rp100,000.

Leonard S. Ampung, Acting Secretary to the Provincial Government of Central Kalimantan, stated that the affordable market initiative was one effort to maintain price stability of essential goods, particularly ahead of the National Religious Holidays (HBKN). “As we approach the religious holidays, there is a tendency for market prices to increase. One way the provincial government addresses this is by implementing affordable markets or stabilising markets,” he explained.

Through various market intervention activities, the provincial government hopes to maintain the stability of essential commodity prices and prevent sharp increases.