JAKARTA (January 13, 2025) – Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) and Ministry of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection (MoWECP) have established a team to collaboratively design joint programs and policies. This partnership will be formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

"We have formed a team that will work for approximately one month before finalizing the MoU," said Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf after a meeting with Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection at MoSA’s office in Jakarta on Monday (13/1/2025).

Gus Ipul stated that the team would formulate a comprehensive and structured cooperation mechanism between MoSA and MoWECP, serving as a guideline for field implementation.

"We have two main focuses. First, prevention. Understanding how violence occurs, which fundamentally stems from the family level," he explained.

He cited Family Hope Program (PKH) as an example, where MoWECP seeks to incorporate the prevention of domestic violence as part of its framework.

"This includes raising awareness and providing education on sexual violence prevention, targeting both parents and children," he added.

Furthermore, he noted that both ministries would develop a structured response mechanism for handling cases. While case responses have already been implemented by both ministries, they have yet to be formalized under an official partnership.

"With this initiative, when cases involving violence against women and children arise, each ministry will have clearly defined roles. We are simply reinforcing the collaboration that has already been in place," he emphasized.

He also conveyed that President Prabowo expects all ministries to strengthen collaboration and integrate their programs to ensure more effective implementation at the grassroots level.

“This morning, we engaged in discussions on issues related to women’s and children’s empowerment, particularly those intersecting with the duties and functions of MoSA,” said Gus Ipul.

Gus Ipul highlighted that several recent cases require swift responses and follow-ups. He emphasized the need for comprehensive protection for women and children.

“Moving forward, we want case responses to become an integral part of MoSA work in collaboration with MoWECP,” he added.

During the same occasion, Minister of Women’s Empowerment and Child Protection Arifah Fauzi stated that her meeting with MoSA aimed to establish synergy and collaboration, given the overlapping programs between the two ministries.

“We will work together to map out conditions in the field, particularly concerning women and children,” she explained.

She also opened the possibility of expanding cooperation beyond MoSA to other ministries, ensuring that when challenges arise on the ground, inter-ministerial coordination allows for shared responsibilities.

“This way, synergy in addressing these issues can lead to faster resolutions,” she remarked.

Minister Arifah also outlined several priority programs under the MoWECP. The first is the Ruang Bersama Indonesia initiative at the village level, designed to strengthen communities and address issues within families and villages.

“Ruang Bersama Indonesia is not merely a physical space but more about its function,” she explained.

Additionally, the ministry is expanding the Sapa 129 Call Center services and inviting social pillars to collaborate under the Ruang Bersama Indonesia initiative. The third key program focuses on developing a village-based integrated data system for women and children.

“We hope this collaboration will further strengthen synergy in eradicating poverty in Indonesia. Surveys indicate that poverty rates are highest among women,” she concluded.