Poverty Alleviation Strategy: Social Affairs Minister Presents 10 'Warmindo' Carts

BANDUNG (20 September 2023) - Ten Warmindo carts were neatly lined up in the Ganesha Cultural Hall's corridor. The cart owners were looking forward to the arrival of Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini, who would officially distribute the 10 carts to beneficiaries.

Minister Risma walked around, checking the ten carts on display. She greeted couples and families who were joyfully offering various types of instant noodles to the attendees. The distribution of instant noodle carts represents the latest breakthrough by the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) to accelerate poverty alleviation.

"This smells so good. I'm getting hungry even though I just ate," Minister Risma said. The cart distribution took place in conjunction with the 2023 graduation ceremony for the Applied Bachelor's and Master's programs in Social Work at Bandung's Social Welfare Polytechnic (Poltekesos).

Following an inspection of the 10 carts, the Minister remarked that the MoSA, through Poltekesos, consistently assists beneficiaries to remain productive. She highlighted that the carts offered should be used to increase their incomes.

“It often happens that after receiving assistance, the carts are sold. This must be avoided at all costs. MoSA, through Poltekesos, will continue to monitor to ensure that these 'Warmindo' carts keep running," the Minister stated.

Furthermore, the Minister advised beneficiaries to effectively manage their finances. She asked them not to balance increased income with excessive consumption. Hence, MoSA will guide the beneficiaries to improve financial management skills.

"Later on, students, mentors, and instructors can also teach them how to manage finances. Don't rush to buy a car with the money. They should be taught how to keep the capital flowing and the business running," Risma added.

The Warmindo carts and their supplies are the outcome of a partnership between Poltekesos Bandung and PT Indofood to reduce poverty. The distribution of this assistance allows Poltekesos students, particularly those active in the Poltekesos Indonesia Young Entrepreneurs Association (HIPMI), to apply their skills while still learning.

Poltekesos intends to distribute 100 'Warmindo' carts by 2023, beginning with these ten carts. Beneficiaries were pre-selected with the help of social offices and social companions.

Poltekesos currently targets inhabitants of Bandung and neighbouring regions who are registered in the DTKS system but have not yet received assistance. Social companions screen these registered persons further to discover who is qualified for the assistance and dedicated to make their situations better.

Once beneficiaries have been selected, Poltekesos students and instructors from PT Indofood will provide training, accompanied by a member of the family (a spouse, parent, or child). Menu preparation, food processing, presentation, and market expansion plans are all included in the training.