Poverty a problem in Purworkerto

PURWOKERTO, Central Java: The number of families living below the poverty line in the regency is nearing 130,000, up from last year's figure of 119,688.

The regency's head for economy and development, Suyatno, said the increase was evidence that the government-sponsored social safety net program was ineffective in improving the economic status of the poor.

Poor families account for some 500,000 people, or more than one third of the regency's population, Suyatno said.

He said the local government organized a market operation to help poor families buy essentials at cheap prices. Each family is allowed to purchase a maximum 20 kilograms of rice at a price of Rp 1,000 per kilogram.

Regent Aris Setiono was saddened by the government's allotment of Rp 10.6 billion to his regency. (45/emf)