Minister of Social Affairs Risma Receives Support from Church, Builds Social Fund in Papua

JAYAPURA (14 December 2023) – Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini received support from churches in Papua to build a social granary. The construction of this social granary aims to build community resilience in facing disasters, especially disasters caused by extreme weather which often occurs in several mountainous areas of Papua. Extreme weather disasters often cause crop failure, so people starve.

"Don't let people have food difficulties again due to extreme weather which often occurs in several regions of Papua," said Minister Risma when assisting a few churches in Jayapura, Thursday (14/12).

According to Minister Risma, the development of social institutions in Papua requires support from the church because the church has a wide reach into the interior of Papua. Apart from that, the church also really understands the characteristics of the Papuan.

"For example, when providing aid and building social granaries, some people want rice but there are also those who ask for food assistance in the form of sweet potatoes," said Social Affairs Minister Tri Rismaharini.

On this occasion, Minister of Social Affairs Risma gave 20 big pigs, 5 each to the Indonesian Christian Church (GKI), the Diocese, the Evangelical Church in Indonesia (GIDI) and the Indonesian Gospel Tent Church (Kingmi) to complete the granary.  Apart from that, Ministry of Social Affairs also donated 4 field cars and various office equipment to support the church's performance in serving the community.

Deputy Chair of Papua Christian Church Synod, Pastor Hezekia Rollo, said he was very grateful for the assistance provided by Ministry of Social Affairs.  Pastor Hezekia also admitted that he found a loving mother in Minister Risma.  That feeling is what gives rise to their trust in Minister of Social Affairs Risma to work together to build, develop, and change society.

"Minister Risma is a mother, full of heart, full of love. We found that in the figure of Mrs. Risma," concluded Pastor Hezekia.