SURABAYA (June 11th, 2023) – The Ministry of Social Affairs ensures that the state pays attention and homage to the elderly. The state strengthens the policy-oriented in increasing elderly productivity and quality of life.

Minister of Social Affairs, Tri Rismaharini’s huge attention towards the elderly is reflected in Elderly Day Celebration of 2023 in East Java held in East Java Coordinating Council for Social Welfare Activity’s (BKKKS) building in Tenggilis Area, Surabaya.

In his speech, Faozan says that Minister Risma is strongly committed to getting the elderly taken care of and healthy. If the elderly is well taken care of and healthy, the country will be dignified.

“Ladies and gentlemen, Madam Minister, Mrs. Risma, sends her warm greeting. The theme of Elderly Day this year is “Prosperous Elderly, Dignified Indonesia”. The theme comes from the Minister of Social Affairs who wants us to honor and take care of the elderly. Without them, we will not exist in this world,” Faozan says.

Faozan adds that there the number of elderly in Indonesia is very large. They are divided into three categories which are solitary living elderly, elderly living with families, and elderly living in Elder House. The minister asks us to take care of them with all our hearts. Honor them, because it is closely related to our country, Indonesia, which surely will be a dignified country,” Faozan says.

Meanwhile, the chief of East Java BKKKS, Pinky Saptandari, says that the activity is held annually. According to Pinky, the activity is a room given to the elderly to express themselves. In addition, Elderly Day Celebration could also be a means to share hobbies and skills such as trading, music, or sport. They could also meet their friends and families.

“We held Elderly Day Celebration annually to give room for the elderly to express themselves. They can do activities according to their ability such as trading, playing music or sport. By engaging in activities, the elderly will become healthy,” Pinky says.

Pinky who’s also a lecturer, appreciates the theme given by Minister Risma, which is Prosperous Elderly, Dignified Indonesia. She thinks the theme gives a deep message not to treat elderly as an object, but to treat them as a subject.

“The theme given by Madam Minister implies a deep message. Prosperous elderly means that the elderly are also able to take care of themselves and be useful to others. Stop thinking elderlies are powerless, incompetent, and are always served,” Pinky continues.

On the occasion, Pinky also says her gratitude towards Ministry of Social Affairs for assisting the elderly by giving so many assistances. Pinku hopes that Ministry of Social Affairs will continue to distribute assistance because there are so many elderlies in East Java who need it.

At 2023 Elderly Day Celebration in Surabaya, Ministry of Social Affairs distributes assistance worth Rp 19,1. The assistances are 17 aids of 7 wheelchairs, 5 walkers, and 5 tripod sticks.

Elderly Day Celebration is also enlivened with bird release and various activities done by the elderly such as exercise, karawitan music performance, Small Micro Medium Enterprise Bazaar by the elderly, medical check-ups, and multivitamin distributions.