BANDUNG (27 August 2022) - Ministry of Social Affairs continues to synergize with Commission VIII of the House of Representatives in implementing social welfare programs for the community. One of them is the social empowerment program through Social Entrepreneurship Program (ProKUS). Besides, while preventing the spread of Covid-19 in Indonesia synergizing with social pillars.

Located in SLRT Sabilulungan, Soreang, Bandung Regency, Minister of Social Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia Tri Rismaharini with the Deputy Chairman of Commission VIII DPR RI TB Ace Hasan Syadzily and the members of the Commission representatives from 9 Fractions of Commission VIII Members, the Secretariat of Commission VIII and Experts have a working visit. The Minister of Social Affairs was also accompanied by the Director General of Social Empowerment Edi Suharto along with the first and second echelon of the Ministry of Social Affairs, the Technical Team of the Minister of Social Affairs, the Special Advisor to the Minister of Social Affairs, and was received by the Deputy Regent of Bandung, Sahrul Gunawan.

Social Minister Risma visited Karang Taruna Citra Pemuda booth, Laksana Mekar Village, West Bandung Regency, which is actively engaged in community empowerment and environmental hygiene. Karang Taruna Citra Pemuda is active in carrying out various innovations in waste processing through BSF maggot cultivation. They also introduced brewed tea products made from Telang Flower which are efficacious for lowering blood sugar levels. On the sidelines of the visit, Social Minister Risma advised Karang Taruna to always maintain unity and togetherness.

"The role of Karang Taruna is very important. In the future, we should have a better role so that it can be useful and contribute to the nation. Let's maintain unity to move forward together. It's time how we think productively by increasing the capacity and ability of Karang Taruna members", said Tri Rismaharini.

On this occasion, the distribution of social assistance for vitamins and masks was also carried out for communities affected by the pandemic through the Karang Taruna Bandung Regency as many as 1,270 packages.

Head of Karang Taruna Bandung Agus Tatyana said that the distribution will be carried out in stages starting from the Regency, District, Village to RW levels. Then it will also be prioritized for areas that need it more.

The Minister of Social Affairs and Commission VIII of the House of Representatives continued their visit to greet KPM for the Social Entrepreneurship Program (ProKUS) accompanied by the Director General of Social Empowerment Edi Suharto and the Director of PSPKKM Serimika BR Karo.

As a role model, the beneficiaries of ProKUS have successfully developed their business in West Bandung. Various products processed by the beneficiaries originating from the Culinary Cluster and Fashion Cluster are displayed including Combring Raja Rasa, Tempe Bu Ade, and Cibo Konvensi.

One of the visits by the Minister of Social Affairs was ProKUS Beneficiaries Mrs. Yani Suryani, with the Raja Rasa Combro Dry Product (Combring) was immediately promoted by the Minister of Social Affairs in front of guests and journalists.

"Later on like this, for example, will integrate the recipients of the Rutilahu program with ProKUS. If you want to buy a combring, please contact Yani directly, she will give her contact details," said Social Minister Risma.

Mrs. Yani Suryani, ProKUS Beneficiaries in 2020 from Sindangkerta Village, Malacca Village, West Bandung is an example of ProKUS beneficiaries that has successfully developed its business in the culinary field. The marketing has reached Jabodetabek, even to Bali and there is an online store. Mrs. Yani was very happy when the Minister of Social Affairs visited her business.

"I am very happy that the Minister is promoting my business. With ProKUS, we can increase our income. We are coached by mentors, taught about packaging so that it increases our economic business. Our combing is different from others, we have the tagline 'crispy makes crispy, crunchy make it crazy, so that consumers will be addicted," said Yani.

ProKUS is expected to encourage the growth and development of micro-economic enterprises through business assistance and incubation. So that later it can improve the living standards of sustainable beneficiaries in Bandung Regency in the field of home industry, services, culinary, handicrafts, creative industries, agricultural cultivation, agro-tourism, etc.

Minister of Social Affairs also reviewed the distribution of Cash Social Assistance (BST) by PT. Pos Indonesia and the Basic Food Card Program that are carried out at these locations.

Also in attendance was the Head of the Bandung Regency Social Office, representatives of Himbara, PT. Pos Indonesia and Bareskrim, TKSK within the scope of Bandung Regency, PSM Village and District scope of Bandung Regency, and Karang Taruna West Java Province and Bandung Regency.