Bandung - Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf or Gus Ipul and Vice Minister Agus Jabo Priyono attended a dialogue with social pillars at Pusdai, Bandung, on Wednesday (13/11/2024).

In her speech, Gus Ipul mentioned social pillars as reliable agents to accompany, guide, and evaluate beneficiaries.

“If we do this together systematically and massively, with clear measurements, then our efforts would be accurately measured,” said Gus Ipul during the event.

He exemplifies a joint enterprise group in Central Java that is run by the provincial government. This model can be further strengthened through collaboration between Kemensos and districts/cities.

“If we have tens of thousands of joint enterprise groups, and multiply it by ten times, I am confident we can graduate the beneficiaries in a year,” he stated.

He also told a story when he met Minister of Home Affairs to address collaboration with local governments to encourage economically disadvantaged people to occupy low-cost apartments. This model has marked the first collaboration between MoSA and West Java Government. He is keen on collaboration among ministries, agencies, and local governments.

“We should unite, not individually. Diminish sectoral egos. I start touring with Mr Vice Minister. We should tighten collaboration with social pillars,” expressed Gus Ipul.

He mentioned President Prabowo’s directive to address the needs of underprivileged people. marginalized communities. As such, Kemensos has programs like Social Protection Throughout Life.

"The government has programs from pre-marriage to post-death. BKKBN, the Ministry of Religion, and other ministries focus on education and pre-marriage development. For married and pregnant individuals, there are numerous programs," Gus Ipul said.

Gus Ipul also discussed MoSA's programs for children from elementary school to senior high schools. After graduating, there are scholarship programs like Bidik Misi, and for the elderly, there are robust elderly programs.

"From pre-birth to posthumous care, individuals receive social security," he added.

On the same occasion, Vice Minister Agus Jabo Priyono conveyed President Prabowo's message to all ministries and agencies. President Prabowo emphasized the need for state apparatus to bring smiles to the people.

"To bring smiles, all living needs must be fulfilled. That is the instruction of President Prabowo for us to work together to assist the public, particularly the social pillars," said Agus during the event on Wednesday (13/11/2024).

Agus further explained that President Prabowo directive to improve data management. Currently, efforts are being made to create a unified integrated data. It is hoped that this integrated data will be completed by the end of the year.

"With such data, all ministries will have a solid foundation for policymaking. Without data, it's like sailing without a ship. But with integrated data, Indonesia will advance," he said.

In poverty reduction, Agus emphasized that MoSA cannot work alone but must coordinate with various institutions and stakeholders.

"Poverty graduation can only happen if communities are empowered economically. MoSA's task is to assist those who are less or not empowered," he explained.

He noted MoSA's collaboration with the Accelerated Poverty Alleviation Agency (BP Taskin), and in operational matters, MoSA works with the Ministry of Villages and Development of Disadvantaged Regions and the Ministry of MSMEs.

"On a macro level, President Prabowo has detailed the economic empowerment system, and he directs a fair economic system. Our task now is to help people gain empowerment," Agus said.

He emphasized that the social pillars play a critical role as anchors for MoSA in empowering and assisting communities. There are currently 17,613 social pillars in West Java.

"In terms of instruments and resources, MoSA is the most prepared and capable of providing community empowerment and support, as our instruments are very comprehensive," he said.

Regarding this issue, Acting Assistant for the Economic and People's Welfare of West Java, Dodo Suhendar, mentioned that poverty is a strategic issue in West Java. As such, social services and related agencies are drafting action plans aimed at improving the Integrated Social Welfare Data (DTKS).

"The strategy includes increasing the income of poor residents. For urban areas, West Java will serve as a model for flats, where residents from low-income families are nurtured for six months to graduate from poverty," said Dodo on the same occasion.

Additionally, he highlighted collaboration with Perhutani, where prepared land can be used for cultivating essential commodities.

"In Ciamis, for example, there are 2 hectares of land managed by poor families and planted with corn for sale," he said.

In coastal areas, he explained the significant issue of fuel. To address this, alternatives such as solar power are being introduced.

"We have implemented solar power for schools and tourism. If used for poor residents, it will reduce their expenses," he added.

Moreover, Dodo noted that continuous innovation will be made to reduce poverty in West Java.

"We have mapped which regions in West Java have double-digit poverty rates and large populations, making them a priority. Welcome, Pak, and hopefully, this activity will motivate poverty reduction in West Java," he concluded.