Jakarta. President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo launched an integrated non-cash food aid scheme aimed at helping 1.28 million marginalized families in 44 districts by the end of this year.

The new Prosperous Family Card (KKS) includes the government's Family Hope Program (PKH), a social aid scheme that allows recipients to receive Rp 1.89 million ($141) in cash aid annually, which can only be withdrawn four times per year.

The KKS can also be used as an ordinary savings account, similar to electronic money (e-money) services provided by several banks.

"This [non-cash food] aid contains a monthly value of Rp 110,000, so it's worth Rp 1.32 million per year," Jokowi told thousands of recipients who attended the launch at the Korea-Indonesia Friendship Sports Center (Popki), in Cibubur, East Jakarta, on Thursday (23/02).

However, the aid can only be redeemed for food at 15,878 selected agencies, one of which is e-Warong.

"As for the PKH, I suggest that you do not abuse it for unimportant things; this is most important for your children's nutrition and education, not for your husbands' cigarettes or phone credit," the president said.

"If we identify any misuse, we will deactivate your KKS," he added.

The KKS social assistance program is supported by several state-owned banks with electronic transactions.

"At this early phase, the [system's] backbone should be stabilized. We want an interconnected and interoperated system," Bank Indonesia Governor Agus Martowardojo told reporters during the event.

"State funds have been delivered today to 44 cities [including districts], Bank Indonesia will facilitate it," he added.

Also present during the event were Social Affairs Minister Khofifah Indar Parawansa, State-Owned Enterprises Minister Rini Soemarno and Coordinating Human Development and Cultural Affairs Minister Puan Maharani.