Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Visits Elderly Care Home in Jayapura, Listens to Residents' Aspirations
Deputy Minister of Home Affairs Ribka Haluk visited the State Social Care Unit for the Elderly in Jayapura, also known as Tresna Werdha Nursing Home, located at Pos 7 Sentani in Jayapura District, Papua. During the visit, Ribka met directly with elderly residents and listened to their aspirations.
Ribka expressed gratitude for the opportunity to see firsthand the conditions of the facility’s residents and hear their various hopes and concerns. “I am grateful to have met directly with the elderly residents living here and heard the various aspirations they have expressed. The government certainly has a responsibility to ensure that the elderly receive proper attention and adequate facilities,” Ribka stated in a written statement on Friday, 13 March 2026.
She emphasised that the central government would continue to coordinate with regional authorities to follow up on various needs raised, including improvements to facilities and services at the social care home.
During the visit, Ribka also commended the management of the State Social Care Unit for the Elderly in Jayapura, noting their contribution to supporting government priority programmes. “We appreciate the staff and management because several programmes implemented here have supported the Presidential Eight-Point Agenda of the Republic of Indonesia, particularly in the fields of free healthcare and food security,” Ribka stated.
One programme receiving particular attention was a catfish farming operation developed within the facility’s grounds. According to Ribka, this activity not only supports food security but also provides productive engagement for elderly residents. “This catfish farming programme is excellent because, in addition to supporting food security, it also provides positive activity for elderly residents living in the facility,” she said.
In support of the initiative, Ribka presented a symbolic donation of catfish feed and personally released catfish fry into several breeding ponds managed by the facility.
During the visit, elderly residents also raised their aspirations directly. One resident, Dolfi Sembel, highlighted positive changes since the facility came under new management. “There have been many improvements at this nursing home since the new management took over. Changes are happening gradually, and we elderly residents are very grateful,” he said.
Female residents’ representative Asnat Ohee expressed hope that the residential buildings within the facility could be renovated soon so that residents could live more comfortably.
In response, Ribka affirmed that all aspirations raised would receive government attention. She stated that the government would coordinate with the Papua Provincial Government to find solutions for facility improvements. “We will certainly coordinate with the Papua Provincial Government so that various needs raised can be a shared concern, enabling elderly residents to live more comfortably and prosperously,” she stressed.
This working visit demonstrates government attention to elderly welfare. The social care facility is expected to continue developing as a safe, comfortable place of residence while providing positive activities for its residents.
The event was attended by Papua Vice Governor Aryoko Rumaropen, Papua Provincial Secretary Christian Sohilait, Head of Social Services, Population and Civil Registration Djong H. Makanuay, and Head of the State Social Care Unit for the Elderly in Jayapura Ferry Kobe. Medical personnel from the Health Ministry Polytechnic of Jayapura and 45 elderly residents also participated, fostering unity among regional authorities, medical professionals, and the community.