BOGOR (5 August 2020) - The emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic has indeed had a tremendous impact on everyone, including residents on the banks of the Ciliwung river in Katulampa Village.

Dharma Wanita Advisor to the Ministry of Social Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia as well as a member of the OASE Cabinet of Indonesia Maju Grace Batubara returned to the village of residents who live on the edge of Ciliwung river RW 01 Katulampa Village, East Bogor District, Bogor City.

"This is our activity, we also come down to ask if there are still residents who have not received assistance. Therefore we are here to hand over these food packages to residents in need. Hopefully this can ease the burden that is currently being felt," explained Grace Batubara.

A total of 366 presidential food aid packages were distributed to residents affected by COVID-19 in RT 05, 06 and 08 Kelurahan Katulampa, East Bogor District, Bogor City.

Most of the residents in RW 01 Kelurahan Katulampa are casual daily workers whose income is uncertain every day. The head of RT 08, Sutrisna Budianto (48), also explained that many residents were laid off, one of which was a construction worker who currently had no activities due to COVID-19.

"Residents here who are freelancers, day laborers, construction workers only rely on government assistance and donations. Hopefully this assistance can help a bit the impact of COVID-19," added Sutrisna.

With the condition of its citizens who live on the banks of the river with the middle to lower economy, Sutrisna tries to play an active role in providing data by name by address for residents who have not received good assistance either from the central or regional government.

One of the residents of RT 08, Mrs. Yahya Rohayati (55) almost shed tears when she knew that she received social assistance.

"Alhamdulillah, I am grateful that there is assistance to make a living. Thank you, Mr. Minister, Mr. President. Many thanks for your help," said Mrs. Yahya.

Not much is expected by the residents of Katulampa sub-district, getting help to make a living tomorrow has made them very grateful.

It's different with Eriska's mother who often uses what she has in her yard to become side dishes every day.

"I sell whatever I have and I consume it. Sometimes I cut the chicken in front of my house for my family. So I'm very happy to get this help because all my neighbors can also get the help," explained Mrs. Eriska.

Ibu Eriska also added that this time the social assistance was given equally to all residents of RT 05, 06, and 08. In fact, she did not believe that none of the residents were left behind. Thank you, Minister, Minister and President.

On this occasion, Grace Batubara also took the opportunity to greet residents and distribute aid directly to residents' houses around Ciliwung river.

She also gave an advice to always take care of the health and hope that things can return to normal as usual.

Also attending the activities were Mrs. Oom Edi Suharto, Mrs. Lili Nazarudin, Mrs. Syifa Asep Sasa, Mrs. Mardiati Syahabuddin, and Head of the OHH Section of the Secretariat of the Directorate General of Social Empowerment.