The Ministry of Social Affairs Optimizes Balai Functions as Social Service Centers

MAKASSAR (August 20, 2020) - The Ministry of Social Affairs seeks to optimize the function of the hall as a center for social services. One of the efforts made is to improve the service quality, improve the infrastructure and systems in the hall.

"According to the direction of the Minister of Social Affairs to improve the quality of social rehabilitation services for recipients of social welfare services, of course, the future restructuring of social rehabilitation programs in the form of Social Rehabilitation Assistance (ATENSI)," said Director General of Social Rehabilitation, Ministry of Social Affairs, Harry Hikmat on the sidelines working visit to three halls in South Sulawesi, Thursday (20/8). The three centers are the Gowa "Gau Mabaji" Elderly Center, the Makassar BRSPDF "Wirajaya" and the Makassar "Toddopuli" Children's Center.

According to him, the ATENSI program does not only strengthen residential care, but also family and community-based services.

Director General Harry said, ATENSI social rehabilitation for the elderly remains in the family. However, the Balai can also partner with social welfare institutions such as PUSAKA and community-based associations that deal with the elderly.

"It becomes a partner of the hall. Therefore, there will be an increase in the responsibility of the hall, and a new strategy that involves local social assistance institutions that are consistent and willing to follow the SOP for the Social Rehabilitation Assistant," he said.

The Ministry of Social Affairs considers it important to optimize the function of the hall through the arrangement of existing facilities and infrastructure, including equipment that must be modernized.

"I went around today to see firsthand, including the design. This hall is owned by the Ministry of Social Affairs which is a representative of the government, so that it becomes a national model. Like the Elderly Hall 'Gau Mabaji'. This elderly center is also a pilot for the application of the center link," said Director General Harry.

Center link is an information system that can connect between service units, both internal and external at the office. Including across sectors such as BPJS, KIS, Dukcapil and families. Even the center link can be a place for social assistance distribution.

New Innovation

Director General Harry appreciated the new innovations in the form of cafe cars and electric wheelchairs by the beneficiaries of BRSPDF "Wirajaya". He even tried an electric wheelchair and a cafe car. "These two products must be immediately taken care of," he said.

He encouraged BRSPDF "Wirajaya" Makassar to produce more electric wheelchairs and add cafe cars. "Alumni from this hall can be invited to do internships to make cafe cars and electric wheelchairs," he said.

Meanwhile, the "Toddopuli" Children's Center, Director General Harry, called for some facilities such as beds, water, sports facilities to be repaired immediately. For example, the bed must be superior.