Elderly Stone Crusher in Polman Receives PROGRES-LU Social Assistance

POLEWALI MANDAR (May 13, 2020) – The COVID-19 pandemic is a difficult time for everyone, especially the elderly. They belong to a vulnerable group that is easily exposed to the virus.

As a form of attention from the Ministry of Social Affairs in relieving the burden on the elderly is to keep their life guaranteed. Today, Thursday (13/5), the Vice Regent of Polewali Mandar, Natsir Rahmat, distributed Social Assistance (bansos) for the Social Rehabilitation Program for the Elderly (PROGRES-LU).

Assistance worth 1.1 billion for 425 elderly is distributed through four Social Welfare Institutions for the Elderly (LKS-LU) in West Sulawesi. These LKS-Lus are LKS-LU Mandar Indonesia, LKS-LU Al Jumrah, LKS-LU Tipalayo, and LKS-LU Nur Insani.

The Vice Regent of Polewali Mandar, Natsir Rahmat, said that the symbolic process of the PROGRES-LU Social Assistance distribution was conveyed to the elderly who work as a stone-crusher daily.

"The symbolic distribution of the PROGRES-LU Social Assistance Program is carried out at the residence of the potential elderly and works as a stone crusher every day," said Natsir.

"On behalf of the local government, we would like to express our gratitude to the Ministry of Social Affairs and the “Gau Mabaji” Elderly Center for giving attention to the elderly in Polewali Mandar Regency," he added.

Following the COVID-19 distribution protocol, the PROGRES-LU Social Assistance Team conducted the distribution by a door-to-door mechanism to each elderly's house. In addition, officers and social assistants wear masks, gloves, long sleeves, and maintain physical distance in accordance with the protocol to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

On this occasion, the Head of the "Gau Mabaji" Elderly Center, Syam Wuryani, and the Head of LKS-LU Mandar Indonesia, Fredy, participated.

Syam Wuryani said that the elderly referred by LKS-LU Mandar Indonesia had gone through the verification and validation stages by the "Gau Mabaji" Elderly Center. The data of the elderly has also been recognized by the local government and received recommendations from the Social Service of Polewali Mandar Regency, West Sulawesi Province.

"In proposing data on the elderly recipients of PROGRES-LU Social Assistance, LKS-LU Mandar Indonesia has made home visits to confirm the condition and whereabouts of the elderly," said Yani.

The distribution of the PROGRES-LU Social Assistance was carried out at the elderly's house, which is also located close to the stone mining sites. Some of the elderly were seen at work carrying out their daily activities, which is crushing stones.

Keccung (70 years old), one of the assistance recipients, said that she is very happy to receive assistance at this urgent time. For the elderly who work as a stone crusher, this assistance is very helpful during the emergency period of COVID-19.

"I am very happy to receive this assistance because it really lightens the burden and helps me face difficult times like today," said Keccung.

The distribution of the PROGRES-LU Social Assistance in the Polman Regency went smoothly without any obstacles. The Head of Batupanga Village, Village Leadership NCO (Babinsa), Babinkamtibmas, and the Local Village Government also attended the occasion.