Visiting the Mahatmiya Bali Center, Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture Greets Baristas with Disabilities at Artne Coffee

TABANAN (27 May 2022) - Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, Muhadjir Effendy took the time to visit the Mahatmiya Bali Center while attending the 7th Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR) 2022 meeting involving 173 countries in Nusa Dua-Bali. The Minister had a dialogue with the beneficiaries and handed over the Social Rehabilitation Assistance (ATENSI). 

The Minister and his entourage were greeted directly by the Director of Children Social Rehabilitation of the Ministry of Social Affairs, Kanya Eka Santi and the Head of the Mahatmiya Bali Center, Sri Wibowo at the Artne Coffee and Culinary. 

While meeting orphans, persons with disabilities and the elderly, the Minister said that the social sector was one of the concerns of President Joko Widodo.

"I am grateful that the social sector is very much cared for. Especially for children who have been abandoned by their parents due to COVID-19. I hope they will receive assistance until they graduate from high school up to university level," said Effendy on Thursday (26/05).

The Minister was also concerned about the elderly. "This makes me happy, the elderly are cared for and given practical tools to ease their accessibilities. Since I am also elderly, I hope that I will also be cared for," said the Minister with a laugh, which was followed by laughter from the attendants.

The Minister advised the Center management and all beneficiaries not to slack off in complying with the health protocols set by the government although the statistics on the spread of Covid are trending downwards.

"Wherever I am, I remind my friends to always comply with health protocols, whether it's washing hands or wearing masks," the Minister emphasized.

Present to accompany the Minister, the Tabanan Regional Secretary representing the Regent. The local government ensured optimal support in the social sector. This was evidenced by their attention to infrastructure development that supports facilities for persons with disabilities such as sidewalks.

Recently, the Tabanan Regency Government was also preparing a regional regulation which was expected to strengthen support for the Social Welfare Services Recipients (PPKS).

"The social sector is our main concern. We are working on sidewalk construction on several roads. We are discussing the regulation for our brothers and sisters (with disabilities) so that later they will have a legal basis for their work," said Regional Secretary I Gede Susila.

Moreover, the Tabanan Regency Government has also collaborated with various parties to support the social sector.

"We always foster cooperation with several parties, such as the Mahatmiya Center which helps us in the distribution of assistance and Stated-Owned Banks (Himbara) which always helps to disburse assistance for beneficiaries on time," he said.

The event continued with the handing over of ATENSI assistance for orphans in the form of savings account and ATM cards, practical tools such as adaptive wheelchairs, standard wheelchairs, tripods, and smart guide sticks.

The Minister also had the opportunity to watch up close the performance of Artne Coffee Mahatmiya baristas. Those baristas who were blind/hard of seeing were seen busy preparing orders from guests.

The Minister advised the beneficiaries to always be enthusiastic in their work.

"You are one of the pillars who will carry the name of Mahatmiya. Show your integrity on behalf of Mahatmiya after graduating from here. Keep up the good work," said the Minister.

The Minister then had a sip of coffee and praised the concoction made by the beneficiaries. "Delicious! This coffee is delicious," said Effendy while giving thumbs up to the beneficiaries.

In a brief discussion with the Director of Children Social Welfare and the Head of the Mahatmiya Center, he also said that after graduating the children were facilitated and given capital funding to open up a business.

"I think this is very good training and needs to be developed. It's good that after they graduate, they become baristas who are facilitated with coffee makers and given capital funding to open up a business. Don't just stop here," he concluded.

In line with his remarks, the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture will facilitate Mahatmiya's beneficiaries to obtain capital funding (which has been their obstacle) from the Ministry of Cooperatives or other stakeholders so that social rehabilitation can be sustainable.

Public Relations Bureau

Ministry of Social Affairs