Tears of Happiness Roll Down as Tugirah Receives MoSA’s Social Assistance

SURABAYA (16 April 2022) - Tugirah was unable to stem her tears. Her eyes were filled to the brim with crystal drops. A tear tickled her wrinkled cheek.

This 65-year-old elderly didn’t cry over sadness. She is happy, touched, and surprised.

"I did not expect to get a lot of money," said Tugirah, while holding five banknotes of IDR 100,000.

The elderly who make a living from selling used goods never thought of getting government assistance. Her prayer was unexpectedly granted.

The resident of Kampung Seng, Sidodadi Village, Simokerto District, Surabaya City, was one of the dozens of elderly who received social assistance from the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA), consisting of Non-Cash Food Assistance (BPNT), Cash Assistance (BLT) on Cooking Oil and Family Hope Program (PKH) social assistance.

Tugirah admitted she was worried since the Eid al -Fitr will arrive soon. The lack of economic conditions made her confused about fulfilling her basic needs during the days before Eid.

"I was overwhelmed not having money. Furthermore, the price of basic food is rising," she said.

She doesn’t expect much but is still praying. The surprise came when a PKH companion came to his house in Kampung Seng. This uninvited guest gave her an invitation to come to the Simokerto District Office.

Never came to Tugirah’s mind that the invitation was a way to pick up a fortune. Her prayers are granted. With the invitation, she was entitled to get assistance from the government distributed by MoSA.

“Praise be to Allah, hopefully, this fortune brings blessings," Tugirah said while wiping her tears.

Meanwhile, the Mayor of Surabaya for the umpteenth time expressed his gratitude and thanked the MoSA. Eri Cahyadi said that MoSA was a tangible manifestation of the presence of the government amidst the economic conditions of the severe community, especially before Eid.

"I appreciate the marvelous Minister of Social Affairs who helps the underprivileged community, especially in Surabaya. Hopefully, she is always healthy so he can always go around to help the people in need," said Eri Cahyadi.

In the Simokerto District area, the number of social assistance recipients from the MoSA reached 200 beneficiaries. Each beneficiary receives BLT cooking oil of IDR 300,000 and BPNT worth IDR 200,000 on average. While for PKH social assistance has been disbursed since April 4, 2022.