BANTEN (December 17, 2024) — Minister of Social Affairs, Saifullah Yusuf, or Gus Ipul, emphasized that social solidarity is the foundation for strengthening Indonesia’s national pillars. This concept is embedded in the second principle of Pancasila, which states "a just and civilized humanity."

"Bung Karno once said that gotong royong (mutual cooperation) is the soul and personality of the Indonesian people. Gotong royong is the tangible expression of Indonesia’s solidarity," said Gus Ipul in Banten, as quoted on Tuesday, December 17, 2024. 

The Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) has organized a series of events for National Social Solidarity Day (HKSN) 2024, starting on December 16, 2024. The activities include nationwide community cleanups and other social events in various regions.

Gus Ipul pointed out that Indonesia faces numerous challenges, including global uncertainty and increasingly complex social issues domestically.

"From poverty, inequality, to natural disasters," Gus Ipul stated.

He mentioned that 9.3% of Indonesia's population still lives in poverty, with 0.83% classified as extremely poor.

"The President has targeted that by 2026, extreme poverty will be alleviated, and absolute poverty should be below 5% by 2029," he said.

Gus Ipul also shared that President Prabowo encourages large-scale collaboration to address poverty. This includes the formation of the Poverty Alleviation Acceleration Agency (BP Taskin) and the Coordinating Ministry for Social Empowerment, which are tasked with designing programs and coordinating efforts across agencies.

"The other term for this large-scale collaboration is gotong royong, teamwork, sharing roles, and collective solidarity. This is the true meaning of solidarity," he said.

He stressed that the meaning of solidarity should serve as the foundation for building an inclusive society, ensuring that no citizen is left behind.

"Social solidarity means walking together, strengthening one another, and supporting each other to progress," he added.

MoSA is organizing a series of HKSN celebrations across various regions in Indonesia. The commemoration will begin in Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta, on December 18, 2024. Social community service will also be carried out simultaneously at 6 major Social Welfare Training Centers, 31 Social Welfare Centers, and all Social Affairs Offices.

On December 20, 2024, HKSN will be marked by a nationwide cleanup, focusing on drains and mosquito breeding grounds. The target is to involve 1 million people, with 2,000 participants from each district or city.

The HKSN commemoration will also take place in Pringsewu Regency, Lampung, and Maros Regency, South Sulawesi.