REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JOMBANG -- President Joko Widodo urged students receiving "Kartu Indonesia Pintar" (KIP) subsidy in Jombang, East Java, on Saturday to not use the aid to buy handphone credits.
"Use it for school purposes to buy uniforms, books, or shoes. If you use it to buy handphone credits, the subsidy will be withdrawn," he told students during a visit to the district.
President Joko Widodo is in the region for a working visit, during which he will open the congress of Islamic organization Nahdlatul Ulama.
Through the KIP program, elementary school students receive Rp450 thousand; junior high school students receive Rp750 thousand; and senior high school students get Rp1 million.
"Is it sufficient? It certainly is. What will you buy in Jombang? You had better save the remaining amount," he advised.
On the occasion, the head of state awarded bicycles to students who could answer his questions correctly. Fourth grader Ajeng was one of the lucky ones.
The president had asked her to name two provinces in the country.
After she answered, "Kalimantan and West Sumatra," the president asked her to specify a province of Kalimantan. Ajeng then said, "East Kalimantan."
"That is correct. Take a bicycle. Ajeng is thin but smart. Well, a thin person is usually smart," the president joked.
Besides KIP cards, he distributed KIS health cards, KKS family welfare subsidy cards and KAS cards for those with serious disabilities.
In addition, Jokowi gave bicycles to other villagers and instructed that national flags be flown on August 17, the country's Independence Day.
"Use what you have received well, and fly national flags at home on August 17," he stated.
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