Social Assistance Distribution Involves Social Pillars

BANDUNG REGENCY (July 4, 2020) – The Ministry of Social Affairs' Basic Food Social Assistance is here again, targeting residents who have not received any assistance at all. This time, 1,500 food packages from the Ministry of Social Affairs were distributed to residents affected by Covid-19.

Dharma Wanita Association Adviserto the Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs, Grace Batubara, visited several locations in Bandung Regency, West Java as well as distributing basic food assistance for residents who were economically affected by Covid-19.

The Ministry of Social Affairs through the Directorate General of Social Empowerment distributed 1,500 food packages. The aid was distributed to residents of Bandung Regency spread across SolokanJeruk District, Pasirjambu District, and Soreang District. Each sub-district received 500 packages of assistance.

"We from the Ministry of Social Affairs are present in Bandung Regency to provide this basic food assistance and hopefully it will be useful during this pandemic," said Grace.

The recipients of this basic food social assistance are the elderly, disabled, factory workers, farmers, cilok traders, and residents who rely on daily income to meet basic needs. Many of the local residents had to be laid off because their companies had to stop for a moment in their activities. Only gardening and farming activities can continue as usual.

In the distribution process, the Ministry of Social Affairs involves social pillars such as TKSK and PSM. These social pillars also reach down to the villages. Starting from collecting data on residents who need assistance, to coordinating with related parties who can provide assistance programs needed for residents.

“We collect data for residents who need help. There is a certain inner satisfaction for us to be able to help residents until their needs are met,” explained Mery, Chairperson of PSM Pasir Jambu who was present during the symbolic event.

In addition, the social pillars are one that residents can rely on when experiencing difficulties. Likewise, the existence of the Mekarmaju Health Center in PasirJambu District, residents can express their complaints through the Social Health Center regarding the social services they need.

"Mekarmaju Village Health Center accommodates and handles community complaints and Thanks to God, so far residents complaints can be handled and certainly coordinate with the Village Government, other related parties and social pillars," explained Reza, an officer of the Mekarmaju Health Center.

This basic food social assistance continues to be provided with the aim of distributing social assistance to residents who have never received social assistance before, both from the central government and local governments.

"Thanks to the Ministry of Social Affairs, I hope this assistance can be useful for the the people here," said Unang Rubaman, Head of Padamukti Village, Solokan Jeruk District.

One of the beneficiaries, Mrs. lilis (64) also conveyed her gratitude. This is the first time she has received food assistance during the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Earlier I received help from the Minister, I was very happy. Thank you. Before this I had not received any help at all. During this corona, eating is difficult, what do you want, it is difficult, now it has been helped. Thank you all to the ministers," said Lilis.

During the delivery of aid, Grace Batubara also advised to remain disciplined about the Covid-19 health protocol. Because even though the condition is new normal, the Covid-19 virus may still be around us.

Also accompanying the activity were members of the Dharma Wanita Associationof the Ministry of Social Affairs, Mrs. OomKomariah Suharto, Mrs. Lily Nazaruddin, Mrs. Syfa Asep Sasa, Mrs. Betty La Ode Taufik, Director of Heroism, Pioneering, Solidarity, and Social Restoration, Head of OHH Division, Head of Sub-Directorate of TMPNU, MPN, and TMPN.