MEDAN (July 15, 2023) - The Ministry of Social Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia through the "Bahagia" Center in Medan became one of the objectives of Commission VIII of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia in the agenda of Recess Working Visit (Kunker) in North Sumatra Province during Session V, session year 2022-2023.

The working visit was attended by 13 members of Commission VIII of the House of Representatives, chaired by Vice Chairperson of Commission VIII of the House of Representatives Diah Pitaloka. The people's representative from the West Java Electoral District stated that the presence of people's representatives is to carry out tasks in the supervisory function.

In her statement, Diah Pitaloka stated that the Ministry of Social Affairs is the ministry that responsible for helping the poor and vulnerable. So that the programs and assistance allocated to beneficiaries, need to be ensured to meet the needs and answer the problems of the beneficiaries.

Diah Pitaloka also provided motivation to all of beneficiaries so that they would not be discouraged because the state is present to meet their needs. "The state through the Ministry of Social Affairs has provided assistance. It remains for ladies and gentlemen to continue to strengthen their determination and enthusiasm. Insha Allah, you can definitely through this and can be eased by the burden of your life," said Diah Pitaloka in Medan, Friday (07/14).

The presence of members of the House of Representatives Commission VIII was welcomed directly by the Head of ‘Bahagia’ Center Medan Iman Imaduddin. The assistance submitted by the Ministry of Social Affairs together with Commission VIII of the House of Representatives for PPKS in North Sumatra Province which total Rp597,347,590. The assistance consists of Social Rehabilitation Assistance (ATENSI) in the form of accessibility aids (wheelchairs and walking sticks) and compensation for victims of fire disasters.

Iman said there are 2 technical units of the Ministry of Social Affairs in Medan and both of them implement a multi-service system so that assistance is not focused on just one rehabilitation cluster.

"In North Sumatra Province there are two units of the Ministry of Social Affairs, namely Insyaf Center in Deli Serdang and Bahagia Center in Medan City, according to the Minister’s policy all centers are multi-service and must provide full services to all vulnerable groups,” he said.

On the same occasion, PKH Phase II Year 2023 assistance was also handed over to North Sumatra Province through Association of State-Owned Banks with a total value of Rp384,296,711,000.

In addition to the distribution of social assistance at the Bahagia Center Medan hall, Iman also gave beneficiaries with visual disabilities from Simalungun the opportunity to showcase their talents in singing and playing music.

Melania Damanik welcomed on this opportunity. "I feel happy to have the opportunity to sing and play keyboard to accompany members of the House of Representatives. This is a form of appreciation for our talents and equal opportunities," said Melania.

After the handover of the assistance, Diah Pitaloka said that she hoped that the Ministry of Social Affairs would continue to expand the target of social assistance and ensure that the social assistance was right on target, right on value, right on time and right on quality.