SURAKARTA (February 29, 2024) – In the framework of the Recess Working Visit of Commission VIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI) for the 2nd session period of 2023-2024, Ministry of Social Affairs together with Commission VIII of the House handed over assistance to Beneficiaries (PM) in Surakarta, Central Java.

Held at the Hall of the Prof. DR. Soeharso Surakarta Integrated Center, Chairman of Commission VIII of the House, TB Ace Hasan Syadzily accompanied by the Director of Social Rehabilitation for Disaster and Emergency Affected-People, Rachmat Koesnadi, Head of the Prof. DR. Soeharso Surakarta Integrated Center, Mas Kahono Agung Suhartoyo, also together with local government officials symbolically handed over social assistance totaling IDR 19,908,424,512.

The assistance provided consists of Buffer stock assistance worth IDR 508,794,609, PENA (Nusantara Economic Heroes) Assistance in the Central Java Region for 432 KPM worth IDR 2,157,688,652, Basic Food Assistance worth IDR 7,052,000,000, Family Hope Program (PKH) Assistance worth IDR 9,909,273,251, and ATENSI Assistance (Tools, Business Capital, and Basic Needs) worth IDR 280,668,000. So the total assistance is IDR 19,908,424,512.

In his remarks, TB Ace Hasan Syadzily said that institutionally, the Ministry of Social Affairs has changed the duties and functions of the center from single to multi-service to the community.

"With this function, the role of the Ministry of Social Affairs will increase and can be directly felt by the community, therefore we encourage the Prof. DR Soeharso Surakarta Integrated Center to provide the treatment needed by the community, especially the disabled, elderly, and others," said Ace.

It is hoped that the Prof. DR Soeharso Surakarta Integrated Center will become a service center for the surrounding areas and can provide maximum service to the community.

"In addition, the Prof. DR Soeharso Surakarta Integrated Center can synergize with the local government in overcoming problems in the community, especially social welfare problems such as poverty and other problems of Social Welfare Service for Persons in Need (PPKS). We will continue to support and encourage Ministry of Social Affairs, both budget needs for improving services to the community," concluded Ace.

In his speech, Rachmat Koesnadi, Director of Social Rehabilitation for Disaster and Emergency Affected-People, representing Ministry of Social Affairs, said that Ministry of Social Affairs is carrying out the government's mandate to improve community welfare through Social Rehabilitation, Social Protection, and Social Empowerment. Ministry of Social Affairs' programs and activities are implemented through the Work Unit at the central level and the Technical Implementation Unit (UPT) at the regional level.

"Through these various programs, the Ministry of Social Affairs provides services such as Social Rehabilitation Assistance (Atensi) through the Prof. DR. Soeharso Surakarta Integrated Center, Kartini Temanggung Integrated Center, Satria Baturraden Center, Antasena Magelang Center, has provided services to all PPKS starting from Children, Disabilities, Elderly, and Vulnerable Groups so that they can recover their social functioning, receive regular assistance support and become independent in economic life through Nusantara Economic Heroes program. The hope is that all beneficiaries can solve their problems and live independently and productively," said Rachmat.

Sri Danar Dewi (55), mother of Naila Syaqira Ramadhan (11) beneficiary of the adaptive wheelchair is delighted and grateful for receiving this wheelchair assistance.

"This is what I have dreamed of all this time, so this wheelchair will make it easier for me to do my daily activities. So far, I have always carried it as well as during check-ups to do therapy," said Sri while being moved.

Sri also hopes that her child can be healthy and recover like other children, even though the therapist has sentenced him to incurable. "It's useless with this therapy, it won't change," said Sri sadly.

Another recipient of assistance is Marsudi (55) a disabled person who received a three-wheeled motorcycle, he is very grateful to the Minister of Social Affairs and the government who have provided this three-wheeled motorcycle.

"I didn't expect to receive this today. Thank you, Minister. Hopefully, this motorbike will be useful for me delivering organic fertilizer," hoped Marsudi.

Also present at the activity were the Director of Emergency Resource Support for the Deputy for Emergency Response of BNPB, the Head of the Social Service of Central Java Province, the Head of Social Rehabilitation of the Boyolali Social Service, BNI, PT Pos Indonesia, and other invitees.