Hashim Urges Social Affairs Ministry to Watch for Irregularities in Priority Programmes

Jakarta (ANTARA) - President’s Special Envoy for Energy and Climate, Hashim Djojohadikusumo, has asked the Ministry of Social Affairs to pay strict attention to the potential for irregularities in the implementation of the government’s priority programmes. The statement was conveyed by Hashim to Deputy Minister of Social Affairs Agus Jabo Priyono during a speech at the inauguration of the Srikandi Jaga Desa organisation in Jakarta on Friday evening. “What we must be careful of, Mr Deputy Minister, are irregularities. I have heard, I have received many reports, there are already indications of irregularities, Mr Deputy Minister, so I entrust this to you. Supervision must be very strict,” he said. Hashim admitted to receiving reports regarding indications of irregularities in the implementation of the Free Nutritious Meals programme and the Village/Sub-district Red and White Cooperatives. However, he did not elaborate further on the alleged irregularities. According to Hashim, both of President Prabowo’s priority programmes have noble objectives. The Free Nutritious Meals programme aims to ensure children receive good nutrition, while the Red and White Village Cooperatives are intended to create self-reliance for villagers. Therefore, Hashim stressed that the implementation of these programmes must be accompanied by strict oversight. “Do not let these noble goals, these excellent programmes, be ruined by devils and servants of Satan across Indonesia. Where there are noble goals and good programmes, devils and demons will come,” he said. In addition to the Free Nutritious Meals and village cooperatives, Hashim also asked the Ministry of Social Affairs to supervise the implementation of the People’s Schools programme. “I have heard, Mr Deputy Minister, that there are also those who have started to shake up and tempt the administrators of these People’s Schools,” he remarked. He reminded that the programme aims to improve the fate of children from underprivileged families.