Becoming the Name of MoSA’s Center, Inten Soeweno Praises the Minister of Social Affairs as a Leader who Respects Seniors

BOGOR (January 12, 2023) - Endang Kusuma Inten Soeweno could not hold back her emotion when she stepped back into the social rehabilitation center that she initiated 26 years ago. The 22nd Minister of Social Affairs looked smilingly at the Japanese-style building that is now called the "Inten Soeweno" Integrated Center (STIS).

"It is an appreciation for the policy and decision of the Minister of Social Affairs to immortalize my name in this integrated center, and this really touched me," she said when giving a speech at the STIS Building Hall, Wednesday (11/1).

In 2022, Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini proposed changing the name of the Cibinong Vocational Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Disabilities (BBRVPD) and Ciungwanara Social Rehabilitation Center for Persons with Intellectual Disabilities (BRSPDI) to the "Inten Soeweno" Integrated Center. The Minister also gave an award to Inten Soeweno for her services in the social welfare of the elderly and persons with disabilities.

"Moreover, it was accompanied by giving an award to me for my attention to disability and the elderly. I could not attend that time because I was get sick, but Mrs. Risma insisted on coming to my house to give the award," she said.

According to Inten, the Minister of Social Affairs' attitude at that time showed that she was a leader who respected seniors. In 2021, the Minister of Social Affairs visited Inten Soeweno's house to directly hand over the award to the Minister of Social Affairs in the era of President Soeharto.

Inten Soeweno held the mandate as Minister of Social Affairs from 1993-1998. During her tenure, she initiated cooperation between the Government of Indonesia through the Ministry of Social Affairs (currently the Ministry of Social Affairs) and the Japan International Coorporate Agency (JICA) to build a vocational rehabilitation system in Indonesia, one of which is STIS which was formerly called the National Vocational Rehabilitation Center (NVRC).

"The beginning of this construction was in 1997. In December, it was inaugurated by the Vice President, at that time Mr. Try Sutrisno. The building is still strong, with a Japanese design. But we cannot rely on development alone, but also on maintenance," she said, praising the maintenance efforts of the STIS building.

The woman who was born in Tulungagung 78 years ago is proud of STIS' achievements. Upon her arrival, Inten was greeted with a Manuk Dadali dance performance, angklung, and a song performance all performed by people with disabilities. She also had the opportunity to see firsthand the process of making salted eggs, doormat crafts, hijab ciwitan, and decoupage by beneficiaries.

STIS expands its services from disability to multi-service serving all types of Social Welfare Service Providers (PPKS). "What is clear is that I am very proud of this integrated center which since its development has been extraordinary. The program is getting more comprehensive. Multidimensional activities that I have never heard of. Then also the students, the results are also very good," she said.

Despite being retired, Inten is still actively seeking social welfare for people in need, especially people with disabilities and the elderly. Age is not a barrier for her to serve the country. "People with disabilities, there is no condition that can prevent them from achieving something and they must still be willing to work hard, be enthusiastic, try, not give up, and be creative," she said, igniting the enthusiasm of the beneficiaries present at the STIS hall.

Inten has experienced first-hand what it is like to be disabled. When she was 35 years old, she had to have her right hand amputated due to an accident. "(The incident) Really erased my dreams, especially since I am a woman, my three children are still small. Shame, sadness, disappointment, despair, as a disabled person, were all mixed up in my heart," she says, recalling a difficult time in her life.

But she managed to pick herself up, realizing that a brilliant mind is what it takes to work. In her career, she managed to serve as a member of the House of Representatives for two terms, and was even asked directly by President Soeharto to become Minister of Social Affairs under his cabinet.

Today, Inten Soeweno manages the Teratai Welfare Foundation, which she runs with other retirees from the Department of Social Affairs. There are more than 400 elderly people who benefit from the Teratai Foundation. She focuses on elderly issues in the hope that life expectancy will increase.

The Teratai Foundation recently received assistance from the Ministry of Social Affairs. Since 2022, the Ministry of Social Affairs has launched a food program for the elderly managed by the community.

"The state must be present, starting in 2022. The special program for the elderly is called food assistance. Now we provide food every day to the elderly, and maybe in 2023 it will continue. Cooperation with the community because those who organize it are the community including food social assistance," Director General of Social Rehabilitation Pepen Nazaruddin told the media crew when receiving Inten Soeweno at STIS.

Public Relations Bureau

Ministry of Social Affairs