An Elderly Delighted by Minister Risma's Housing and TV Assistance

NORTH ACEH (30 May 2024) – Salbiah, an 84-year-old elderly, never imagined she would own a sturdy brick-walled house, complete with everything inside. For the past 22 years, she has lived in a very simple hut with walls made of hole-ridden boards and a thatched roof.

"If it weren't for Mrs. Risma, I would never have gotten a house," she said with a radiant smile in front of Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini, who visited her home in Glumpang VII Village, Matangkuli District, North Aceh Regency, on Wednesday (29/5) afternoon. Salbiah is one of 27 elderly people who received assistance from the Integrated Welfare House (RST) unit from the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA). The distribution of RST coincided with the commemoration of National Elderly Day (HLUN) 2024 held in North Aceh.

The RST is also equipped with a living room, bedroom, kitchen and bathroom. Previously, what Salbiah referred to as a "bathroom" was just a wooden-walled structure without a roof located next to the house and without any lighting at night. "Now, if I need to go to the toilet at night, I don't have to go outside the house anymore," she said with a beaming face.

Not only did the MoSA provide housing assistance, but MoSA also provided Social Rehabilitation Assistance (ATENSI) in the form of mattresses, pillows, fans, wardrobes, gas stoves, sofas, and bathroom amenities. Salbiah even received a wheelchair and a television. "I never dreamed of having a television, now I have my own. Before, if I wanted to watch television, I had to go to the neighbor's house," she said joyfully. She also tried the comfortable sofa provided by the Ministry of Social Affairs.

"Thank you, Minister," she said repeatedly. Minister Risma, who visited Salbiah, asked her to maintain the house. The Minister also thanked Tagana, residents and village officials who had worked together to build Salbiah’s house. In addition, Minister Risma asked Mahdi, the Head of Glumpang VII Village, Matangkuli District, to apply for Salbiah to receive a Food Program for Elderly Living Alone so that her daily food needs would be fulfilled.