Former Scavenger Prospers after Being Guided by MoSA to Become a Farmer

BEKASI (31 August 2023) – The Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) is preparing flat residents to live independently through the "Pangudi Luhur" Integrated Center (STPL) in Bekasi. The flat is one of Social Minister Tri Rismaharini's accomplishments as proof of the state's presence improving the standard of living for the poor and vulnerable.

Beneficiaries of STPL receive not only adequate accommodation but also a variety of interventions aimed at increasing economic independence. Several initiatives have been made to educate them on business skills such as agriculture, sewing, fishing, and trade.

Beneficiaries believed that the skill development program was beneficial to them. One of the residents of the STPL flats in Bekasi, Amung, stated that it was very useful for him. This 43-year-old man lives in one of the rooms on the 5th floor with his wife and their three children.

Amung previously lived in a rented flat on the banks of the Karang Satria River in Bekasi. At the time, he made a living as a scavenger. He collected used items from village to village. With an unpredictable income, the rent of IDR 200,000 per month is rather high for him. Not to mention other basics of life.

Amung became more focused and learned new skills as a result of the coaching at the STPL flats. To meet his daily needs, the mentor advised him to start a farm and raise vegetables.

"After living in the STPL flats for some time, I was offered to cultivate the land around the flats," Amung explained as he harvested water spinach.

Amung then worked on water spinach, mustard greens, and spinach. The three vegetable crops are planted at a week's spacing. The goal is to be able to harvest and earn money every week.

"On average, the harvest every week can get IDR 400 thousand; sometimes it can reach IDR 500 thousand," he said.

He hopes that by living in the apartment and earning a living through farming, he will be able to leave the flat and live independently one day.

MoSA inaugurated the STPL flats in early 2023. The flats have five floors with a capacity of 93 residential rooms. Each unit also has a bedroom, which is equipped with bunk beds and a wardrobe.

Apart from that, there is a kitchen that is equipped with a stove, gas, and cleaning equipment. There is also a bathroom with a seated toilet and a shower inside the flat.

Beneficiaries who reside in flats will be trained so that when they leave the flat, they may live a more decent life.