INDRAMAYU (April 1, 2024) - An elderly woman was sweeping in her yard. Her body was slightly bent.  She moves the broom slowly; her steps are slow and cautious. Mbah Karti (79), an elderly woman from Cangko Village, Tukdana District, Indramayu Regency, West Java, has lived alone for a long time. 

When the team from Ministry of Social Affairs met her, she looked confused. It is because of she didn’t familiar with that kind of face. Mbah Karti responded by the Ministry of Social Affairs after a complaint to the Ministry of Social Affairs' Command Center regarding Karti's condition of being living inadequately.

Mbah Karti lives without electricity. Some parts of the roof of her house often leak when it rains. Mbah Karti does not have a mattress to sleep on. Her daily meals are even given by her neighbours and close relatives. For cooking, she still uses firewood. 

So far, Mbah Karti has been able to work as a farm labourer. However, her income is not enough to fulfil her daily needs. Especially now that her condition is old, Mbah Karti does more activities at home.

The Ministry of Social Affairs through the Center for Social Welfare Education and Training (BBPPKS) Bandung took steps to assess Mbah Karti. The assessment was carried out to see Mbah Karti's physical, psychological, social and economic conditions. The results of this assessment are also the basis for providing assistance according to Mbah Karti's needs.

The Ministry of Social Affairs provided assistance in the form of basic needs such as food and nutrition, stoves and gas cylinders as well as electricity installation at 5 points of Mbah Karti's house.

The installation of electricity is important to facilitate Mbah Karti's activities at home and avoid the potential for fire because she uses a cempor lamp (an object to produce light with oil-based fuel).

For the installation of electricity in Mbah Karti's house, the Ministry of Social Affairs has coordinated with the State Electricity Company (PLN) Cikedung Customer Service Unit in Terisi District with the Family Hope Program (PKH) facilitator. 

Besides, the Ministry of Social Affairs also helped Mbah Karti to population data services. With the existence of population data, Mbah Karti will easily access various government assistance.

"Thank God for all the assistance I have received from the Ministry of Social Affairs, it is very useful for me," said Mbah Karti in a soft voice.

Ramli, the PKH facilitator of Cangko Village along with other village officials will also help monitor Mbah Karti's development. "We will continue to monitor Mbah Karti's progress," said Ramli.

The Ministry of Social Affairs is committed to continuing to support and provide assistance to people in need, especially to those who are vulnerable.