BATAM (October 20, 2023) - Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini accompanied by Plt. Director General of Social Empowerment Beni Sujanto handed over three boats to transport school children on three islands in the Batam City area, namely Bertam Island, Lingke Island, and Gara Island.

This assistance is a follow-up to the residents' request when the Minister of Social Affairs visited Bertam Island in June 2022 to absorb the aspirations of the residents. During the visit, residents conveyed to the Minister of Social Affairs about the difficulties children have in reaching school due to limited sea transportation facilities to get to school.

To reach Bertam Island, the Minister of Social Affairs and his entourage used a fast boat from Sekupang Harbor, Batam City. In less than 30 minutes, the ship arrived at Bertam Island.

The Minister of Social Affairs said that the ship, which was built in Surabaya, was equipped with various navigation and safety facilities to ensure safety when used by children to go to school. The ship, with a length of 12 meters and a capacity of 20 passengers, has received a certificate of suitability from the Ministry of Transportation so that it can be used immediately.

The total assistance provided was 4.5 billion Rupiah, as well as 125 packages of school supplies, 75 packages for elementary schools 50 packages for middle and high schools, as well as 100 child nutrition packages.