In Front of Chancellors, MoSA Invites Universities to Synergize to Overcome Social Issues

MAKASSAR (May 23, 2023) - Wearing a red traditional Bugis-Makassar attire, the Indonesian Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini became the keynote speaker at the LPTK Forum and Friendly Evaluation of Post-Konaspi X in 2022 at the Phinisi 1 Ballroom, Claro Hotel, Makassar (5/22).

Social Affairs Minister Risma invited the universities present at the event to be able to establish synergy in dealing with poverty problems in Indonesia. Universities can contribute to strengthening science and technology transfer.

Educated and skilled resources are key to the government's efforts to deal with poverty. In each of her visits, the Minister of Social Affairs emphasized that education is very important and is greatly needed by the community.

In visits to the KAT Suku Anak Dalam locations in Jambi and the Dayak Meratus Tribe in South Kalimantan, for example, the issue of education became a shared concern.

"I came to the Suku Anak Dalam Jambi after departing from Jambi for 6 hours and entered the forest for about 4 hours. Their request was to build a school. So, I built a community center where there is a library, as well as installing internet," said Social Affairs Minister Risma.

Education is not only consisted in the cognitive aspect, but also good daily behavior. In this case, education is also important to be carried out regarding clean and healthy living behavior i.e. body hygiene such as bathing, cutting hair, cutting nails, also taught to the children of the Suku Anak Dalam in Jambi.

"I also entered the Dayak Meratus. What did they ask for? They want the government to provide education for their children and healthcare when they are sick," Risma said.

Another thing that is currently a challenge is poverty handling in remote areas. Social Affairs Minister Risma is optimistic that handling the problem of poverty will be easier if done together, one of which is collaborating with universities.

In front of the Chancellor, Vice Chancellor and invited guests, Minister Risma explained the programs of the Ministry of Social Affairs to improve the welfare of the community, which includes social empowerment programs, social protection and security, and social rehabilitation.

The Ministry of Social Affairs' programs reach all regions of the country, from Aceh to Papua. Not only areas that are easy to reach, but also to the interior and locations of Remote Indigenous Communities (KAT), even the outermost areas of Indonesia's border areas.

"Tonight, I am very happy to be able to attend this Chancellor's Forum and meet with the PPTKN Chancellors and at the same time sign the MoU to solve the problems of children and poverty, especially disabilities. I believe that through cooperation with universities, Indonesia can prosper more quickly," said Risma.

The problems of children and disabilities require handling in a different way. Therefore, Minister Risma advised that for teaching, especially kindergarten and elementary school, teachers can teach inclusively. In addition, providing teachers and early education to children so that they can avoid sexual harassment is an important point.

In terms of disaster mitigation, early awareness about disaster must also be done so that there are not many victims if a disaster occurs.

Regarding Social Rehabilitation, the Ministry of Social Affairs also innovates disability aids. Some of these innovations are made to make it easier for people with disabilities to carry out daily activities. For example, adaptive wheelchairs for children with cerebral palsy and adaptive canes equipped with GPS, water sensors and heat sensors for the blind. These tools are produced by people with disabilities in the centers and offices of the Ministry of Social Affairs.

The Teacher Training Institute (LPTK) is a state or private university appointed by the government to organize the Bachelor of Education Program (PSP) and Teacher Professional Education (PPG) to meet the need for competent educators in Indonesia.

The main task of LPTK is to produce high-quality education personnel, one of which is teachers. Those who will work in various educational units are prepared through learning programs.

A total of 19 universities or colleges that are members of the Association of State Educational Universities (PPTKN) signed an MoU on handling social problems. The 19 universities are UNM, UNP, UNIMED, UNJ, UPI, UNNES, UNY, UNESA, UNDIKSHA, UNG, UM, UNIMA, Unimal Lhokseumaue, Unmul Samarinda, ULM Banjarmasin, UBT Tarakan, UHO Kendari, Unsulbar Majene, and Unhas.

Also present were the Acting Director General of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia Nizam, Special Advisor of the Minister of Social Affairs (SKM) for Communication and Mass Media Don Rozano Sigit Prakoeswa, SKM for Social Welfare Service Needs and Potential Social Welfare Sources Luhur Budijarso Lulu, Director of Resources, Ministry of Education, Culture, Research and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia Sofwan Efendi, Chancellor of UNM Husain Syam, Rectors, Chairman of the Senate, Vice Chancellor and Chairman of the PPTKN Institute.