Ministry of Social Affairs Held Sports and Arts Festival

JAKARTA (August 15, 2019) - Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs, Agus Gumiwang Kartasasmita opened the Sports and Arts Festival (POKSI) in the framework of celebrating the 74th Independence of the Republic of Indonesia.

The event was simple but still lively with the presence of Solo guest star Dionisius Prasetyo or known by the stage name Didi Kempot.

The Minister, with his casual look, wearing red and white shirts combined with matching colored sports pants appreciated the solidarity of the Employee Team in each work units.

"This solidarity of the Ministry of Social's is a big asset to run the Social Welfare development program, especially programs to reduce poverty," he said.

The opening by the Minister of Social Affairs was marked by the release of hundreds red-and-white balloons into the air and continued by the Lion Dance (Barongsai) attraction by the march of the Secretariat General's team. This attraction had a meaning of cultural diversity that’s owned by Indonesia.

The atmosphere was more lively when Didi Kempot, who was familiarly called the Father of National Broken Heart went up on stage. He invited all Ministry of Social officials and employees to sway, dance, and sing together. There were five songs that he performed, namely Banyu Langit, Cidro, Sewu Kutho, Suket Teki, and Cucak Rowo.

Appearing to accompany and sing along with Didi Kempot on stage included Secretary General, Hartono Laras, Director General of Social Empowerment, Pepen Nazarudin, Director of Social Rehabilitation of Persons with Disabilities, Margowiyono, Head of Public Relations Bureau, Sonny Manalu, and Head of General Bureau, Adi Wahyono.

"Mas Didi's agenda to Jakarta is very busy and he had to appear on several broadcast stations, so I tried to contact and I invited him to perform. It turns out that he can, and today is entertaining the Ministry of Social officials," said the Secretary General.

The Secretary General hopes that the presence of Didi Kempot as a guest star of POKSI can strengthen the spirit of togetherness and increase solidarity between employees.

"Alhamdulillah, everyone is very welcome, very happy to perform at the celebration of the 74th Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia at the Ministry of Social Affairs," said Didi Kempot who appeared wearing a yellow shirt combined with black trousers.

His presence was greeted with fanfare and enthusiasm of all employees. They gathered in front of the stage in the parking area of the ministry building. After singing, he was really friendly with the employees and patiently served the request for a group photo.

An employee of the Ministry of Social Affairs, Ina (24) claimed to be entertained by the presence of Didi Kempot. In the midst of the hustle and bustle of work, the presence of the idol singer was a work motivation.

"This is really a surprise. When will you can watch live campursari music just like now. You can sing together and take pictures too with him," she said.

The POKSI event lasted for two days, August 15-16, followed by all 1,103 Ministry of Social staff employees. Consists of the ranks of the Secretariat General, Inspectorate General, Directorate General of Social Empowerment, Directorate of Social Protection and Security, and Directorate General of Poor Handling.

POKSI is filled with competition activities between directorates, namely Volleyball, Badminton, Table Tennis, Chess, Futsal, Clogs in Hand, Tug of War, Sack Race, Eating Crackers, and Balloons Dance. During the competitions, there was also musical entertainment.

After POKSI is finished, employees return to the room and work as usual.

Head of the Public Relations Bureau of the Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs

Sonny W. Manalu