EAST ACEH (February 29th, 2024) – The people of East Aceh Regency welcomed the arrival of the Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini who made a working visit to their area. Apart from handing over 11 livable housing units, the Minister was also trying to empower the community with various businesses, starting from sewing, making food, to agriculture and animal husbandry.

"The Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) does not just provide business capital, but also provides guidance, so that the business you run is successful," said the Minister of Social Affairs while having a dialogue with the community of Seuneubok Simpang Village, Darul Aman District, East Aceh Regency.

The Minister emphasized the importance of having a strong desire and determination. "God will provide a way. MoSA will also continue to help," said her, giving motivation to the people present.

The Head of Seuneubok Simpang Village, Zulkifli, said that Risma first came to his village in 2023 to lay the first stone for the construction of an uninhabitable house as an embodiment of the Integrated Prosperous Home (RST) program. When inaugurating 11 RST units, she did not just build houses, but also wanted to empower the community through various business activities.

After going through a dialogue process, around 250 families or 800 people of Seuneubok Simpang Village would focus on handling four business fields according to the village's potential: sewing, food, agriculture and animal husbandry. MoSA was also committed to providing assistance to the community in carrying out these four businesses.

"For livestock, for example, we will manage oxen or cows because the land in the village is very large, and this business is already running. We want to get guidance from MoSA regarding selecting cattle breeds, feeding them, maintaining them, and selling them once they are successful," said Zulkifli.

Likewise, sewing and food businesses, MoSA would also provide similar assistance. Meanwhile, in agricultural businesses, the Minister of Social Affairs is committed to selecting the best seeds, as well as providing assistance so that agricultural businesses run by the community run well.

“We are very happy to receive various assistance from Mrs. Risma. We hope that this business will be successful so that it becomes a model village for other Aceh regions, even the whole world," said Zulkifli.

Public Relations Bureau
Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs