Sidoarjo (January 9, 2025)—Vice Minister of Social Affairs Agus Jabo Priyono visited the two elderly in Sidoarjo, East Java, on Thursday (January 9, 2025). During his visit, he engaged in dialogue and provided assistance. One of the houses visited was that of Mbarti (85) in Bulusidokare Village, Sidoarjo District, East Java. Mbarti has received elderly food benefits since 2023.

Currently, Mbarti lives alone in her uninhabitable house, which is only separated by a small road from her child's house. Mbarti's child, Umi Nadiroh (52), is a housewife with five children who sells steamed fish around. Meanwhile, her son-in-law is only a stone laborer who frequently suffers from stomach pain.

Mbarti's grandchildren often come and stay to accompany their grandmother. Before receiving food assistance, Mbarti's children sent food to their mother every day. Agus Jabo provided Social Rehabilitation Assistance (ATENSI) in the form of food for the elderly. Later, Mbarti will be sent food twice a day.

"So, if the government is currently starting a free nutritious meal program, Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) has already implemented it, but only for the elderly and persons with disabilities," said Agus Jabo. Additionally, MoSA also provided other assistance to Umi Nadiroh, including basic necessities for 5 days, nutrition, personal hygiene equipment, clothing, facilities, rooms, cupboards, and dish racks.

"There are nutritious foods, then we provide a bed, so that the mattress is comfortable, the sleep is soft, sound," said Agus Jabo on that occasion. Agus said that MoSA not only provided assistance for Mbarti but also for Mbarti's child, Umi Nadiroh (52). The assistance provided is in the form of ATENSI Entrepreneurship.

"This can be a productive business. Because the current MoSA program is about empowerment. So, the community does not only receive social assistance, receive PKH but can also be empowered," he said.

Meanwhile, assistance for supporting entrepreneurial families is provided by MoSA through Margo Laras Pati Center. The assistance provided includes food and entrepreneurial equipment, display cases, and magicoms. Support for starting a lontong (a traditional Indonesian rice cake made from compressed rice cooked in a banana leaf) business. The total assistance amounted to IDR 4,150,000. According to him, in order for the community to be empowered, they must produce. Workers must be provided with jobs.

"We help those who want to do business in their units. So that our community can be independent," he added. Agus Jabo ensured that MoSA was present according to President Prabowo's directive to bring smiles to the people.

"This house will be repaired. At least given a proper floor and ventilation," he said. On a separate occasion, Mbarti's child, Umi, said that she would sell lontong to start her business. She will sell it in front of his mother's house.

"Thank you MoSA, God willing, I can sell while taking care of my mother," she said.