Poverty a problem in Purworkerto

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)