Minister Risma Provides Business Aid and Decent Housing for Scavengers in Menteng

JAKARTA (21 June 2024) - Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini provided business capital assistance and decent housing to scavengers on Jalan Sukabumi, Menteng, Central Jakarta, on Thursday morning (June 20). A total of 12 scavengers received business capital assistance and decent housing. They come from various regions, including Sukabumi and Manado. "Do you wish to return to your hometown? I will help with business capital and housing," said Minister Risma to Siti Fatimah (47), one of the individuals she met.

Minister Risma spoke with Fatimah and offered her business capital assistance and the construction of a house in her hometown, Sukabumi. This was done to provide a better life, especially since Fatimah also brought her three children to work as scavengers in Jakarta. Fatimah has five children, three of whom help her scavenge in the Menteng area, Central Jakarta. Currently, the three children have dropped out of school due to financial constraints.

Fatimah expressed her hope to return to Sukabumi and continue her children's education. She also wanted to start a food and beverage business in her hometown. "I will help you build a house and set up a business in Sukabumi, and your children can continue their education there," said Minister Risma when she heard Fatimah's hopes that morning.

The Ministry of Social Affairs team then took the scavengers to Sentra Mulya Jaya in Jakarta to conduct a thorough assessment of the 12 Social Welfare Service Recipients (PPKS). The assessment revealed various needs for each PPKS. The primary need identified was business capital assistance such as coffee shops and snack businesses.

Furthermore, some PPKS lacked permanent housing and needed aid in finding adequate accommodation. The Ministry of Social Affairs gave them the option of living in the Mulya Jaya flat and staying there. Three PPKS did not yet have electronic ID cards, thus the Ministry of Social Affairs personnel will assist with the biometric recording process until their electronic ID cards are ready.

Minister Risma's visit on Thursday morning was a swift response to the viral news about the condition of scavengers living under the Jalan Sukabumi Bridge in Menteng, Central Jakarta. Minister Risma immediately visited the location and deployed a team to conduct assessments and provide assistance. This effort was made to reach as many PPKS as possible, especially those around the Ministry of Social Affairs' central office on Jalan Salemba Raya, Central Jakarta.