Minister of Social Affairs Designs Her Own House for Victims Affected by Cianjur Earthquake

CIANJUR (January 13th, 2024) – A feeling of relief appeared from the Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini’s face when she handed over housing assistance on Friday (12/1) to three social pillars whose homes were affected by the 2022 Cianjur earthquake. The unique and earthquake-resistant house design was designed by the Minister, an architect who graduated from Sepuluh Nopember Institute of Technology (ITS), Surabaya.

Home assistance was the Minister's effort to help social pillars by embracing kitabisa.com and Pundi Amal and Peduli Kasih Foundation (YPP) SCTV and Indosiar.

"These social pillars are Tagana, Companions of Family Hope Program (PKH) and others who receive salaries from the State Revenue and Expenditure Budget (APBN). According to the regulations, recipients of salaries from the APBN cannot receive assistance that comes from the APBN as well. So, what do we do? How can I help them? Even if I have money, I can't," said the Minister, expressing the cause of her anxiety.

The Minister admitted that she was touched to hear about the condition of ten social pillars whose houses were completely destroyed by the earthquake. Even though their house was destroyed, they still prioritize helping the community after the earthquake.

Finally, the Minister contacted kitabisa.com and YPP SCTV and Indosiar. In a tit for tat, those two foundations were immediately willing to help the Minister to renovate and rebuild the houses of social pillars affected by the earthquake.

Of the ten social pillar houses affected by the earthquake, five houses were repaired or rebuilt by kitabisa.com. Meanwhile, the remaining five were repaired or rebuilt by YPP.

The house built for social pillars was also built with an anti-earthquake design. The bricks used were special bricks made by Cianjur earthquake victims.

In the bricks, there are holes for iron to be inserted, cement is no longer needed to build this house. These irons will keep the house sturdy even if an earthquake occurs. The Minister herself created the house design.

Both kitabisa.com and YPP were happy to be able to work together with the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) to help the community. This was also what CEO of kitabisa.com Vikra Ijaz said when handing over housing assistance to Rusli Nurdini, Tagana from Ciherang Village who was affected by Cianjur earthquake.

"We appreciate Mrs. Risma and MoSA for continuing to support programs that are beneficial to society. Hopefully, this will also be a symbol of hope that we as a society have the spirit of looking after each other. Mutual cooperation does exist," said Vikra.

In line with Vikra, YPP General Chair Imam Sudjarwo also felt proud as he had been involved in various social activities.

"We give our gratitude and the highest appreciation since YPP is always involved by the Minister in social service activities. Today, it is related to the 2022 Cianjur earthquake," said Imam when handing over house assistance to Teguh Adriansyah, a PKH Companion from Nagrak Village whose house was destroyed due to the earthquake.

Besides Ciherang and Nagrak Village, the Minister with kitabisa.com and YPP also handed over housing assistance to Asep Aria, a PKH Companion from Sukamulya Village, Cugenang District, Cianjur.