SERANG (27 July 2020) – Ministry of Social Affairs continues to provide support to the community in entering the new normal phase. MoSA Presents was coming back for people in Banten Province.

Located at Al-Hikmah Islamic Boarding School, Ciruas District, Serang Regency, Banten, 1,123 Social Ministry social assistance packages were symbolically given by the Social Ministry's Dharma Wanita Advisor, Grace Batubara. The social assistance was given to the Chairperson of the Jokowi Volunteer Movement in Banten Province, Hasan Basri.

Advisor of Dharma Wanita Persatuan of the Ministry of Social Affairs, Grace Batubara, said that she often visited residents, providing social assistance, especially the affected communities COVID-19.

"I got a report that there are some people here who have not received assistance yet. It is where the Ministry should present to provide an assistance. In this pandemic, hopefully we can ease the burden of ladies and gentlemen here," Grace said.

The presence of Grace Batubara was received directly by the Deputy Regent of Serang, Pandji Tirtayasa.

"I am touched, because the Ministry of Social Affairs is very concerned about Serang District. It was noted that the Minister of Social Affairs had been present three times in Serang District, so did Grace's mother have come to Serang 3 times," said Pandji.

This assistance will be distributed to middle and lower class citizens in Serang Regency, Cilegon City, Serang City, Pandeglang Regency and Lebak Regency, who have never received assistance either from the central or regional governments. Other beneficiaries are elderly and orphans.

On this occasion, Grace Batubara, also took the time to provide social assistance directly to the residents' homes.

A broom craftsman, Akub, feels grateful for help and talks directly with Grace Batubara.

"Everyday I make a broom. For 3 days I can make 10 brooms from coconut fiber. 1 broom is worth 10 thousand rupiah. It's just hard to sell now. Thank you for this help, very helpful when it is difficult like this," Akub said.

Atapiah, an elderly person living alone, smiling happily when visited by Grace Batubara.

"I have only from my brothers who give my daily needs. Thank God, thank you very much for helping me to cook everyday," said Atapiah.

Grace Batubara, also visited Runtah’s house, a freelance worker, who is now more at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Usually I do planting rice in people’s field or make a brick. But now it’s very rare to get a job. Thank God, thank you for give this food assistance," said Runtah.

Sub-district Social Welfare Workers (TKSK) in Ciruas and Binuang Districts were present to help coordinate and distribute aid to the beneficiaries.

Present to accompany Grace Batubara in the distribution of aid were Director of Heroism, Pioneering, Solidarity and Social Restoration, members of the Dharma Wanita Kemensos, Ms. Oom Komariah Suharto, Ms. Lily Nazaruddin, Ms. Wasih Dadang Iskandar and Ms. Syfa Asep Sasa. Also present was the Chairperson of the Al-Hikmah Islamic Education Foundation, Secretary of the Ciruas District Head and Serkop District Forkopimda.