PANDEGLANG (February 22, 2023) – The Ministry of Social Affairs through the "Galih Pakuan" Center in Bogor responded to the news of an elderly couple living in an uninhabitable house in Parigi Village, Saketi District, Pandeglang Regency, Banten.

"We were assigned by the Minister of Social Affairs to handle elderly people who live in uninhabitable houses in Pandeglang, which happen to be in the working area of ​​the "Galih Pakuan" Center in Bogor," said the Head of the "Galih Pakuan" Center in Bogor, Siti Sari Rumayanti when contacted by phone, Wednesday (22/2).

They are Grandma Asna (64) and Grandpa Islak (66), who live in their house which almost collapsed. They live with their fourth child, Risja (30). According to Sari's statement, the "Galih Pakuan" Center team in Bogor came down on Monday (13/2) and immediately carried out an assessment. As a result, the condition of the house they both lived in was very inadequate.

“The floor is dirty, the walls are bamboo, the roof is thatched. If there is a strong wind, the house could collapse. For this reason, we have submitted a proposal to obtain an Integrated Prosperous Home (RST) program, assisted by the sub-district head, the village head, and companions. The proposal has been submitted," Sari said.

Upon seeing the worrying condition of the house, the Ministry of Social Affairs and the local officials installed a tarpaulin temporarily until the house repair could be conducted. This is also to anticipate rain and strong winds

In addition, the Ministry of Social Affairs also educates families and village officials about disasters in the event of high-intensity wind and rain so that they can evacuate Grandma Asna and her family to a safer place. The team also helps clean the house.

Then, on Tuesday (14/2), the Ministry of Social Affairs team handed over assistance i.e.of basic food packages, nutrition, personal hygiene equipment, clothing assistance, religious equipment, and household equipment assistance, such as mattresses, cupboards, and other equipment. This assistance was chosen because Grandma Asna's household equipment was very minimal.

Every day, Grandpa Islak works as a farm laborer in other people's rice fields using a profit-sharing system. Each harvest gets a profit share of 2 quintals of grain used for daily food.

Besides farming, Grandpa Islak also has four goats. On the other hand, Grandma Asna also works, pulling grass in the rice fields. Sometimes she also works as a farm laborer with a daily income of IDR25,000.

To increase his income, Grandpa Islak wants to raise ducks considering that the location of the house near the rice fields is suitable for raising ducks. Some snails and snails can be used as food. In terms of maintenance, it is also easy and does not require excessive physical effort.

"That same day (14/2), we gave them ducks and ducks feed. There are 25 ducks and 1 sack of concentrate feed. Hopefully, the duck eggs can be used to increase their food nutrition and can also be sold so that there will be additional income for them," said Sari.

Furthermore, Sari said the Ministry of Social Affairs team took Grandma Asna and Grandpa Islak to conduct an examination at the Pulmonary Polyclinic and Grandpa Islak at the Jiwa Polyclinic at the Seketi Community Health Center on Wednesday (15/2).

Grandma Asna often complained about a cough that wouldn't go away. Meanwhile, Grandpa Islak repeatedly couldn't sleep, had headaches, and felt restless. On Monday (20/2), they conduct medical checks at the Public Health Center (Puskesmas).

"The results of the TB examination have been revealed, thank God they are negative," said Sari

Meanwhile, in terms of family functioning, the Ministry of Social Affairs held a family meeting with Grandma Asnah, Grandpa Islak, Risja, Health Cadre Mrs. Pupu, and Social Workers with educational material for children in assisting them in taking medication, strengthening family support, and instilling family values.

Meanwhile, the two of them have five children. Four people live outside the city. Only Risja lives together. Next, the Ministry of Social Affairs will process the RST application for Grandma Asna and Grandpa Islak.

Public Relations Bureau
Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs