ACT and Indonesian Armed Forces Collaborate in Free Rice Operation

ACTNews, JAKARTA - Aksi Cepat Tanggap (ACT) in collaboration with the Indonesian Armed Forces (TNI) will distribute 1,000 tons of rice in the Free Rice Operation, launched on Thursday (2/4). The rice will be distributed to 200,000 impoverished families in Jakarta, Depok, Tangerang, and Bekasi whose economy has also been affected by the outbreak of Covid-19 pandemic. For the initial stage, the collaboration with the Indonesian Armed Forces in the Free Rice Operation will distribute 100 tons of rice to 10 points in Jadetabek.

The Chairperson of the ACT’s Supervisory Board Ahyudin explained, in dealing with the Covid-19 outbreak, ACT not only looked at the problem from the health aspect, but also from the socio-economic aspect. Many underprivileged people, especially daily workers, are affected by the coronavirus pandemic. Their income has dramatically decreased due to the lack customers after many people choose to stay at home and maintain physical distance in order to break the spread of Covid-19. Therefore, the Free Rice Operation is one of the solutions to help underprivileged families whose livelihood has been negatively affected in this pandemic.

"The Free Rice Operation is a further collaboration between ACT and TNI in dealing with the social and economic impacts of the coronavirus outbreak. I believe, this nation can face various disasters, both natural disasters and even coronavirus disaster. This nation has a high social solidarity. Hopefully, this will be one of the strongest medicines that this nation has. I invite the Indonesian Armed Forces and the whole community to mobilize national social solidarity again. This disaster has impacted not only health but also the economy, especially on the grass-root level. Let's focus not only on the health impact, but also on the economic impact. If we can overcome it well together, then Insha Allah, there will not be a social disaster in the future," said Ahyudin.

The rice aid will be distributed in stages to hundreds of thousands of underprivileged families in Jadetabek using the Indonesian Armed Forces’ military vehicles and ACT's Humanity Rice Truck. Indonesian military personnel and ACT volunteers will distribute rice to each house to avoid crowds and maintain physical distancing.

The distribution points for Free Rice Operations assistance include Central Jakarta (Petamburan / Tanah Abang), East Jakarta (Jati / Pulo Gadung), South Jakarta (Jagakarsa), West Jakarta (Duri Kepa / Kebun Jeruk), North Jakarta (Pademangan Barat), Depok (Cimanggis), Tangerang Regency (Rancagong Legok), South Tangerang (Peduren / PD. Pucung), Bekasi City (Bantar Gebang), and Bekasi Regency (Cibarusah).

The Free Rice Operation is a derivative of the Free Food Operation program, which was launched on March 19. This program has helped meet the food needs of impoverished families and medical personnel. Another program to help the poor families during the Covid-19 outbreak was the Free Meal Operation in which ACT partners with 1,000 wartegs in Jadetabek to provide free lunch for daily workers. The free meals are distributed through ACT’s Humanity Food Truck.

ACT and the Indonesian Armed Forces held a launching ceremony for the distribution of 1,000 tons of rice aid at the TNI Headquarters in Cilangkap, East Jakarta, Thursday (4/2). (ACTNews / Edy Purwanto)

"Until now, ACT has initiated massive programs to deal with this outbreak through Free Food Operations and its derivative programs, Free Meal Operation and Free Food Operations. In addition, of the targeted 1000 wartegs, there are now 350 active wartegs that distribute servings of 100 free lunch daily. Together with all elements of the nation, ACT is fighting COVID-19 and, hopefully, it will become an example for the world. We will continue to work until this epidemic ends," added Ahyudin.

Chief of TNI General Staff Lt. Gen. Joni Supriyanto expressed his hopes and appreciation in collaboration with ACT which has existed for a long time. "We really appreciate the collaboration with Aksi Cepat Tanggap to channel aid to the community. This is the time for us to unite, synergize, and strengthen each other among the nation's components. Today's distribution includes rice, masks, and hand sanitizer which will be distributed to 10 locations. Of course, in our distribution, we pay attention to the safety factors and protocols in handling Covid-19. We believe this assistance can be distributed to the people who need it. We would like to thank all who have participated. Hopefully, our contribution can ease the burden on society. Hopefully, the Covid-19 epidemic throughout the world will soon end, "said Lt. Gen. Joni Supriyanto. []