BANGKALAN (January 8, 2025) – Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf, popularly known as Gus Ipul, visited the home of 82-year-old Arnima, a visually impaired elderly woman who lost her sight due to cataracts. During the visit, the minister engaged in a dialogue with Arnima and provided financial assistance amounting to IDR4 million.

“We are conducting field checks. So far she has been receiving assistance, and now we are here to reassess the situation. My visits are not always about positive cases; sometimes, Gus Ipul stated.

Gus Ipul told that Arnima, who lives alone in a rented house, relies on her nephew for daily meals and nighttime companionship.

“She has not been receiving benefits from the Family Hope Program (PKH) since 2022. We are currently checking why the assistance was discontinued. We will review her history and follow up accordingly,” he explained.

The minister acknowledged the possibility of reinstating Arnima as a PKH beneficiary, allowing her to receive food assistance. However, this decision would depend on further assessment.

“What is clear is that we continue to encounter discrepancies between our data and actual conditions on the ground. This case is just one example. That is why we urge everyone to work together to improve data accuracy,” he emphasized.

Furthermore, Gus Ipul noted that Arnima’s current residence is uninhabitable. However, since it is a rental property, government renovation assistance cannot be provided.

“We cannot intervene directly, but we are looking for alternative solutions, such as support from Baznas,” he said.

He explained that government regulations require that housing renovation assistance can only be granted to homeowners, along with other eligibility criteria.

“We cannot provide aid arbitrarily. However, we can explore possible support from donors or non-governmental sources,” he added.

Despite her challenges, Arnima remains in good health and communicates well. There was an offer for her to move out of the rented house, but she declined.

“This highlights the importance of data validation. We cannot assume that everything is in order. We need to reassess and cross-check the information. This is a directive from the President,” Gus Ipul stated.

He stressed that social assistance programs must be properly targeted, with verification processes conducted through social workers and local governments.

“There are proper channels to verify social assistance,” he noted.

During his visit, Gus Ipul took time to sit and converse with Arnima. He emphasized that President Prabowo had instructed his ministry to prioritize elderly individuals with disabilities who require assistance.

Arnima, in turn, asked what kind of support she would receive. She shared that she has been unable to work since losing her vision a year ago.

“It’s my fate. If you give me financial assistance, I’ll be very grateful. Money is needed everywhere. Thank you very much,” she said.

Ministry of Social Affairs, through Center of Prof. Dr. Soeharso Surakarta, provided various forms of assistance, including environmental cleaning services for her home. Additionally, Arnima received essential items such as a mattress, pillows, bedsheets, a wardrobe, and a chair.

Other support included necessities and nutritional supplies such as rice, sardines, sugar, honey, biscuits, soy sauce, and tea. Personal hygiene products, including soap, shampoo, a toothbrush, toothpaste, and towels, were also provided. Furthermore, she received eating utensils such as plates, glasses, spoons, and forks. The total assistance was valued at IDR4 million.