Minister Gus Ipul Encourages 518 Poltekesos Graduates to Address Social Issues Toward Indonesia Emas 2045

Bandung (25 September 2024) – Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf has urged graduates of the Bandung Polytechnic of Social Welfare (Poltekesos) to tackle social issues in pursuit of realizing Indonesia Emas 2045. This statement was delivered during his speech to 518 graduates at Sasana Budaya Ganesha ITB on Wednesday (25/9/2024).

Minister Saifullah, affectionately known as Gus Ipul, specifically called on the graduates, as the nation's future leaders, to become intelligent individuals who embrace change, especially in response to rapid technological advancements.

He highlighted that future social welfare challenges will become increasingly complex, necessitating comprehensive solutions. According to Gus Ipul, there are six key areas of focus of social welfare issues: poverty, disasters (natural, non-natural, and social), drug abuse, child-related issues, poverty in remote indigenous communities (Komunitas Adat Terpencil or KAT), and migrant workers.

“Our hope is for graduates from this institution to make meaningful contributions to society,” he emphasized, pointing out the vital role of social work, particularly in assisting vulnerable groups.

This year, a total of 518 graduates participated in the graduation ceremony, comprising 32 from the Master’s Program in Applied Social Work, 306 from the Undergraduate Program in Applied Social Work, 82 from the Undergraduate Program in Social Protection and Empowerment, and 98 from the Undergraduate Program in Social Rehabilitation.

Currently, Poltekesos Bandung has 2,202 students enrolled across four study programs: Applied Social Work (Undergraduate), Social Protection and Empowerment (Undergraduate), Social Rehabilitation (Undergraduate), and Applied Social Work (Master’s).

The Ministry of Social Affairs plans to expand Poltekesos with a second campus on a 14.9-hectare site in Soreang, Bandung Regency. This expansion includes proposals for new study programs such as Social Counseling, Social Entrepreneurship, a Doctoral Program in Applied Social Work, and a Professional Social Work Program.

Gus Ipul stated that this plan would be presented to President-elect Prabowo Subianto, given the increasingly complex social challenges ahead that will require more social workers and other social welfare professionals.

“We recognize that this institution continues to improve. The plan to build a second campus will allow for the enrollment of more students,” said the minister.