MAROS (20 December 2024) –To commemorate National Social Solidarity Day (HKSN) 2024, the Ministry of Social Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia has allocated social assistance totaling IDR 2,513,173,931,189 (2.5 trillion) for South Sulawesi Province. The event was held at the Maros Regency Multipurpose Hall and attended by Vice Minister of Social Affairs, Agus Jabo Priyono.

The assistance encompasses various programs initiated by the MoSA, ranging from nutritional and personal hygiene support, and mass circumcision, to the provision of assistive devices for persons with disabilities. Additionally, aids were distributed to disaster victims, demonstrating the government’s care for those impacted by calamities. These initiatives aim to positively impact and alleviate the burdens of the people of South Sulawesi.

MoSA also distributed regular assistance programs such as the Basic Food Program (BPNT), the Family Hope Program (PKH), and the Integrated Prosperous Housing Program (RST). These efforts are designed to enhance the welfare of underprivileged families and support their basic needs. Disaster preparedness programs were also emphasized, given the region's susceptibility to natural disasters.

Special attention was directed toward the elderly and persons with disabilities, with the distribution of food assistance and social granary support. These programs ensure that the basic needs of these vulnerable groups are adequately met. Furthermore, ATENSI (Social Rehabilitation Assistance) and YAPI assistance were also provided to strengthen support for those in need.

In collaboration with partners, additional contributions were made, including cooking oil, healthcare services, and blood donation campaigns. These were facilitated through partnerships with organizations such as the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) and various corporate partners, including BNI, Bank Mandiri, Pos Indonesia, and Alfamart. This collaboration highlights the synergy between the government and the private sector in supporting the community.

Meanwhile, the distributed assistive devices for persons with disabilities included two cerebral palsy wheelchairs for children, one adult cerebral palsy wheelchair, 14 3-in-1 wheelchairs, three electric wheelchairs, 15 standard wheelchairs, one three-wheeled motorcycle, adaptive walking sticks, nine hearing aids, three crutches, two single-point canes, five adaptive canes, 11 three-point canes, and one walker.

Vice Minister Agus Jabo inspected various services provided during the event, including general health check-ups, physiotherapy, massages, mass circumcision, blood donations, and an ATENSI Creation Center (SKA) exhibition. "Today is a testament to our spirit of mutual cooperation in addressing social issues and supporting those in need. The Ministry of Social Affairs is committed to continuously standing by the community, especially the most vulnerable," he stated.

"I hope the presence of MoSA and all involved partners will bring significant benefits to the people of South Sulawesi. We aim to ensure that no one is left behind in our collective efforts to build a prosperous society," he added.

The peak of HKSN also serves as a vital reminder of the importance of social solidarity and mutual cooperation in addressing various social challenges. During the event, the Deputy Minister encouraged all parties to uphold solidarity and unity to create a more prosperous Indonesia.

"Indonesia must move toward a society that is more independent, productive, and prosperous. This is the ultimate goal of the Ministry of Social Affairs—not only through social assistance but also by empowering communities to rise above poverty," he emphasized.

In his closing remarks, Agus Jabo reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to eradicating poverty by creating greater opportunities for self-reliance and empowerment. "Through hard work, synergy, and collaboration, we will continue striving to build a better Indonesia," he concluded.

HKSN 2024 is not merely a ceremonial event but a concrete manifestation of the government’s commitment to reducing poverty and offering new hope to those in need.

Nurtesaletesiyah (46), a beneficiary from Maros, expressed her gratitude after receiving an adaptive walking stick for her husband, Muhamad Rifai (48). "I am deeply thankful to MoSA for providing this walking stick for my husband," she said.

She revealed that this was the first time her family received assistance. She shared that her husband had previously relied on a second-hand stick given by someone else.

"This walking stick is incredibly helpful because my husband often goes to the mosque for dawn prayers, and there are sometimes dogs on the road. Once again, thank you to the MoSA," she said tearfully.