Jakarta, Oct. 17 -- The Indonesian government will start distributing Rp30 trillion (around US$1.89 billion) in additional direct cash assistance (BLT) next week, expanding the program to reach more than 35 million beneficiary families.

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto said the extra allocation, sourced from spending efficiencies, aims to support low-income households in the final quarter of 2025.

"This is the result of budget efficiency and reallocation. The fourth-quarter allocation now totals Rp46.2 trillion, including Rp30 trillion in additional assistance," Hartarto said in Jakarta on Friday.

He explained that 18.3 million families will receive the aid through state-owned banks, while 17.2 million othe...