Surabaya (October 11, 2024) - Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf instructed thousands of social pillars in East Java to realize lifecycle social protection. “That's our big theme going forward,” said Gus Ipul, the Minister's nickname, when attending the East Java Social Welfare Pillars Dialogue, at the Grahadi State Building, Surabaya on Thursday (10/10/2024) evening.

According to Gus Ipul, everyone must be provided with social protection and security to fulfill their basic needs, especially for the poor who are the target of the Ministry of Social Affairs.

One of the social protection programs owned by Ministry of Social Affairs is Family Hope Program (PKH). Through PKH, Ministry of Social Affairs seeks to fulfill basic needs through a conditional cash transfer scheme.

“After basic needs are met, next must be empowered,” said Gus Ipul.

With empowerment, it is hoped that they will be independent and empowered to meet their needs. But, those who cannot be directly empowered will receive a social rehabilitation program first.

This is a manifestation of lifecycle social protection which will be a way for Ministry of Social Affairs to accelerate poverty reduction in Indonesia. To realize this, the synergy of various existing social pillars is needed.

“We will consolidate as a whole, including these social pillars so that they can carry out their duties effectively so that the target of reducing poverty can be achieved,” Gus Ipul explained.

Gus Ipul said, that if the social pillars go hand in hand with the government, then it can be realized.

In addition, the role of social pillars is not only to provide social assistance but also to identify the community's need to be independent.

“In addition to reducing poverty, we must also be able to empower beneficiaries,” said Maliki, Director of Poverty Reduction and Community Empowerment at Bappenas.

In front of thousands of social pillars, Maliki said their role is important to realize lifecycle social protection for all program beneficiaries.

This can happen when all pillars that have helped PKH recipients to graduate, ensure that those who have graduated do not become poor again. “They must be able to enter the middle class,” continued Maliki.

So, the next target is that besides alleviating poverty, the social pillar also helps deliver beneficiaries to a higher level of welfare.