Minister of Social Affairs Ensures Full Support for Jayawijaya Regency Government

JAKARTA (October 7, 2019) - Minister of Social Affairs Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita ensures that the Ministry of Social Affairs will continue to help people affected by social disasters in Wamena. Any assistance proposed by the local government (pemda), the Minister of Social Affairs ensures that it will be fulfilled.

"We will continue to help people affected by the riots in Wamena through the local government. Whatever assistance is proposed, we will fulfill it, without any of us crossing out," said the Minister of Social Affairs after giving a speech at the international seminar "Utilization of Information Technology in Social Work Practice, Prospects and Challenges" and the Inauguration of the Executive Board of the Indonesian Professional Social Workers Association (IPSPI) for 2019-2022 at the Aneka Bhakti Building, Ministry of Social Affairs Office, Jakarta, Monday (07/10/2019).

The Minister explained that various assistance had been sent to Wamena, the capital of Jayawijaya Regency. In accordance with the request of the regional government, said the Minister, assistance was sent in the form of basic needs.

"For example, the initial stage of assistance was provided in the form of building a Public Kitchen," said the Minister. Noted, the Ministry of Social  affairs assistance in the form of a public kitchen to meet food for 5,000 people, then 1,500 packages of children's clothing equipment, 1,500 packages of men's clothing equipment, 1,500 packages of women's clothing equipment, 2,500 mattresses, 1,500 roll tents / tarpaulins, 2,500 blankets.

The Minister added that the Ministry of Social Affairs also distributed assistance that was not requested by the regional government, namely psychosocial support services (LDP). Together with a number of universities, the Ministry of Social Affairs has sent a team to Wamena. "I received a special order from Mr. President, to pay attention to the people affected by the riots," said the Minister.

Then other assistance that was not requested by the Regional Government and provided by the Ministry of Social Affairs, said the Minister, was compensation to the heirs of the dead. "The number of casualties is 32 people, while the compensation is IDR 15 million per person," said the Minister.

Other assistance that was not requested by the regional government but was distributed by the Ministry of Social Affairs was assistance for Productive Economic Enterprises (UEP) as many as 100 units. "The aim is as a stimulant to help shop owners affected by the riots. Thus it is hoped that they will soon be able to trade and the residents' economy will move again," said the Minister.

The value of assistance for Wamena is IDR 4.051 billion, which consists of various forms. The Minister again emphasized that the Ministry of Social Affairs is still waiting if there is a request for assistance from the Jayawijaya Regency Government. "We even received a request for assistance from Nduga. I have ACC and in the process of distribution," said the Minister.

Regarding the international seminar, the Minister stated that this event was energized by gratitude for the passing of the Social Work Law. According to the Minister, the presence of the Social Work Law should be grateful because it provides protection and rights for social workers.

Then the seminar also discussed the relationship between technological advances in the 4.0 era and the task of social welfare development. Apart from providing benefits, technological advances also bring excesses that are not always good. "So it needs a deep study from the aspect of norms and ethics," said the Minister.

On the other hand, the swift flow of information requires social workers to always be ready. "This seminar is expected to be reviewed and provide input for social welfare development policies.

Acting Head of Public Relations Bureau RI Ministry of Social Affairs

Sonny W. Manalu