MoSA Distributes Biomass Stoves to Residents of Idi Rayeuk, Lightening the Community's Economic Burden

ACEH TIMUR (1 July 2023) – The Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) provided stove assistance to residents of Seunobok Simpang Village, Idi Rayeuk District, East Aceh Regency. The assistance of stoves made from biomass is a solution to reduce public spending amid the high costs of using gas and petroleum fuels.

The stoves use biomass fuel such as dried palm fruit, jatropha fruit, coconut shells, and sugar palm. The use of natural materials apart from being environmentally friendly, is also cost-effective because they are easy to obtain.

Through the Directorate of Social Protection for Victims of Social and Non-Natural Disasters (PSKBSNA), 244 stoves worth IDR 61,000,000 were distributed to residents of Seunobok Simpang Village.

"These low-cost- stoves are expected to ease the burden of spending on people who have been using gas or oil. Moreover, the fuel made from dried palm fruit and coconut shells can be easily found in East Aceh. Therefore, people's household expenses can be reduced," said Mira Riyati Kurniasih, PSKBSNA Director.

The community was grateful for this assistance. Lisa, a resident of Seunobok Simpang Village, had used the stove and was satisfied with the assistance. "There are so many benefits. It's easy and practical to use, all we have to do is put in the raw materials, burn it a little and it's already lit. It's not difficult to find fuel, you just have to look for it in the rear garden. It's already there," she said.

The same thing was said by Sumarni who also received stove assistance. “This stove is very practical, so it can be used like an ordinary stove, such as boiling, frying, and cooking rice. The fuel is easy to get around the house for free. Previously, we threw it away because it was not used. Later did I know it could be used for cooking," she said.

Another resident, Herlina, expressed her gratitude for the assistance from the Ministry of Social Affairs for the residents of Seuneubok Simpang Village. "Thank you, Mr. President and Mrs. Risma for providing jobs for the men here. We have been helped to make stoves and given social assistance in the form of PKH and basic food assistance," said Herlina.

Appreciation was also conveyed by the Head of Trade of the East Aceh Trade Office, Furqon Febriansyah. "We appreciate and are grateful for the assistance and training from the Ministry of Social Affairs, especially for residents in East Aceh," he said.

The local government will help with the marketing of the products made by residents through local e-catalogues. "That way, the goods that have been made will not settle in Seunobok Village but can be used in all sub-districts throughout East Aceh," said Furqon.