Social Affairs Minister Urges University Synergy on Social Issues

MAKASSAR (May 23, 2023) – Wearing a red traditional Bugis-Makassar attire, Indonesian Minister of Social Affairs, Tri Rismaharini, served as the keynote speaker at the LPTK Forum and Friendly Evaluation of Post-Konaspi X in 2022 at the Phinisi 1 Ballroom, Claro Hotel, Makassar (5/22).

Minister Risma invited the universities in attendance to collaborate in addressing poverty in Indonesia. Universities can contribute by strengthening the transfer of science and technology.

Educated and skilled human resources are key to the government’s efforts to tackle poverty. During each of her visits, the Minister has emphasized that education is crucial and highly valued by communities.

In visits to the Suku Anak Dalam community in Jambi and the Dayak Meratus Tribe in South Kalimantan, education has consistently emerged as a shared concern.

"I traveled to Suku Anak Dalam in Jambi, which required a six-hour drive from Jambi, followed by four hours entering the forest. Their request was to build a school. Therefore, I established a community center that includes a library and internet access," stated Minister Risma.

Education does not solely concern cognitive skills but also encompasses good daily habits. Minister Risma stressed the importance of promoting clean and healthy living behaviors, such as personal hygiene practices like bathing, hair cutting, and nail trimming, which are also being taught to children in the Suku Anak Dalam community in Jambi.

"I also visited the Dayak Meratus Tribe. What did they request? They asked for education for their children and access to healthcare when they are sick," Risma added.

Another current challenge is addressing poverty in remote areas. Minister Risma remains optimistic that poverty alleviation can be more effective through collaborative efforts, particularly in partnership with universities.

In front of the Chancellors, Vice Chancellors, and invited guests, Minister Risma outlined the Ministry of Social Affairs' programs aimed at improving community welfare. These programs include social empowerment, protection and security, and rehabilitation.

The Ministry's programs reach across the nation, from Aceh to Papua, not only to easily accessible areas but also to remote regions and Remote Indigenous Communities (KAT), including Indonesia's outermost border areas.

"I am very pleased to attend this Chancellor's Forum tonight, to meet with PPTKN Chancellors, and to sign an MoU to address issues affecting children and poverty, especially regarding disabilities. I believe that through university partnerships, Indonesia can advance more quickly," Risma said.

Addressing children’s issues and disabilities requires a specialized approach. Minister Risma urged teachers, especially at the kindergarten and elementary levels, to provide inclusive education. Additionally, educating teachers and young children on ways to prevent sexual harassment is a crucial measure.

In terms of disaster mitigation, early awareness is essential to minimize the number of casualties when disasters occur.

Regarding Social Rehabilitation, the Ministry of Social Affairs has introduced innovations in disability aids. Some of these innovations, such as adaptive wheelchairs for children with cerebral palsy and adaptive canes with GPS, water sensors, and heat sensors for the visually impaired, are designed to make daily activities easier for people with disabilities. These tools are produced by people with disabilities within the Ministry's centers and offices.

The Teacher Training Institute (LPTK) is a government-appointed public or private university responsible for conducting the Bachelor of Education Program (PSP) and Teacher Professional Education (PPG) to meet Indonesia’s need for competent educators.

The main role of LPTK is to produce high-quality education personnel, including teachers. These individuals are prepared through various learning programs to work in diverse educational settings.

A total of 19 universities or colleges that are part of the Association of State Educational Universities (PPTKN) signed an MoU on addressing social issues. These universities include UNM, UNP, UNIMED, UNJ, UPI, UNNES, UNY, UNESA, UNDIKSHA, UNG, UM, UNIMA, Unimal Lhokseumawe, Unmul Samarinda, ULM Banjarmasin, UBT Tarakan, UHO Kendari, Unsulbar Majene, and Unhas.

Also present at the event were Nizam, Acting Director General of Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia; Don Rozano Sigit Prakoeswa, Special Advisor to the Minister of Social Affairs for Communication and Mass Media; Luhur Budijarso Lulu, Special Advisor for Social Welfare Service Needs and Potential Social Welfare Resources; Sofwan Efendi, Director of Resources, Ministry of Education, Culture, Research, and Technology of the Republic of Indonesia; Husain Syam, Chancellor of UNM; along with other Rectors, Senate Chairpersons, Vice Chancellors, and PPTKN Institute Chairpersons.