Minister of Social Affairs Receives an "Inspirational Woman" Award from UIN Syarif Hidayatullah

The award was presented by the Rector of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta Prof. Dr. Hj Amany Lubis in the National Seminar "Multi Role of Women in the Frame of Mother's Day".

In her remarks, the Minister expressed her gratitude to the Rector of UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta and the entire academic community. "Thank you for the appreciation and mandate given to me. Hopefully I can keep the mandate given as well as possible," said the Minister, Thursday (22/12).

Present on the occasion were Deputy Chairman of Commission VIII Tb Ace Hassan Syadzily and Chairperson of the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) of South Tangerang City Airin Rachmi Diany.

UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta gave the "Inspirational Woman" award to the Minister of Social Affairs regarding a number of achievements. Among other things, the Minister succeeded in bringing the Ministry of Social Affairs to obtain an Unqualified Opinion (WTP) from the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) in Financial Report (LK) 2021.

Then, the implementation of the Nusantara Economic Heroes (PENA) program, which focuses on empowering housewives from underprivileged families. The award for implementing the National Program for the Acceleration Development of Disadvantaged Areas (PPDT) from the Ministry of Villages is also taken into consideration.

Appreciation is also given regarding PKH social assistance, the Basic Food Program, social empowerment, Social Rehabilitation Assistance (ATENSI), and rapid response to social problems throughout the country.

Then, there is Moeslimchoice's appreciation in data improvement; the 2022 Nawacita Award and her work as a Muslimah with the best performance and role model from civil servants, politicians, Mayor of Surabaya, to becoming Minister of Social Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia.

In her remarks, the Minister of Social Affairs explained various challenges in her duties at the Ministry of Social Affairs, especially related to handling women. She stated that there are still many cases of sexual violence against girls by close family or relatives.

"What is this phenomenon? Is it because of weak religious factors? But, in fact, many perpetrators are actually close to religious institutions," he said.

The Minister also found many mothers who left their children to work or for other reasons. "During her visit to Riyadh, for example, there were mothers who had worked for 10-20 years," he said.

This phenomenon has an impact on childcare in the family. Abandoned children are vulnerable to violence, including violence from close family.

Family is the key to overcoming problems like this. "I even called the mother and her employer in Arabia where they work so that the mother could return to her homeland. We facilitated it. And here, we teach the mothers business and skills. Alhamdulillah, some are successful," he said.

The Minister of Social Affairs also explained that there were other challenges in the struggle to raise the status and role of women. In rural Papua, the Ministry of Social Affairs provides sewing and embroidery skills to mothers there.

However, in some conditions, electric sewing machines cannot be given, "Because there is no electricity. In Papua, we can only provide manual sewing machine assistance," she said.

Meanwhile, in East Nusa Tenggara (NTT), the Minister found mothers who took a boat to the opposite island. Because clean water is difficult to obtain, unless you take a boat to the opposite island. "On the way back, she had to stay overnight because the waves were high," she said.

There are still many challenges that the government must face towards women in Indonesia. So complex are the challenges that must be faced, the Minister of Social Affairs is grateful that many parties are present to contribute, both government agencies, the community, and also the business world.

Public Relations Bureau

Ministry of Social Affairs