Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Ensures Government Prioritises Care for Elderly in Jayapura
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs (Wamendagri) Ribka Haluk has assured that the government continues to work to ensure elderly citizens receive proper attention and services.
She made the remarks during a working visit to the Jayapura Elderly Social Welfare Centre (UPTD Panti Sosial Lanjut Usia Jayapura), also known as Tresna Werdha Elderly Care Home, located at Pos 7 Sentani in Jayapura Regency, Papua.
“I am grateful to have met directly with the elderly residents living here and heard the various hopes they have expressed. The government certainly has a responsibility to ensure that elderly citizens receive proper attention and facilities,” said Ribka in Jakarta on Saturday.
During the visit, Ribka met directly with elderly residents at the facility and listened to their aspirations.
She emphasised that the central government will continue to coordinate with regional authorities (Pemda) to follow up on various needs raised, including improvements to facilities and services at the social welfare centre.
During the visit, Ribka also expressed appreciation to the management of the Jayapura Elderly Social Welfare Centre, which she noted has contributed to supporting the government’s priority programmes.
“We commend the administrators and management because several programmes being run here have supported the Presidential Eight-Point Agenda of the Republic of Indonesia, particularly in the area of free healthcare services and food security,” she said.
One programme that drew Ribka’s attention was catfish farming developed within the facility. The programme was deemed to support not only food security but also serve as a productive activity for elderly residents.
“This catfish farming programme is very good because in addition to supporting food security, it also provides positive activity for the elderly residents living here,” said Ribka.
In support of the programme, Ribka symbolically handed over fish feed for the catfish farming. She also released catfish fry into several farming ponds managed by the centre’s staff.
During the visit, elderly residents also directly conveyed their aspirations to Ribka. One resident, Dolfi Sembel, expressed gratitude for the improvements noticed since new management took over the facility.
“There have been many changes at this elderly care home since it came under new management. Little by little changes are happening and we elderly residents are very grateful,” she said.
Meanwhile, a representative of female elderly residents, Asnat Ohee, hoped that the residential units within the facility could soon be renovated so that residents could live more comfortably.
In response to these aspirations, Ribka Haluk stated that all feedback provided would receive government attention. She emphasised that the government would continue to coordinate with the Papua Provincial Government to find the best solutions for improving facilities at the centre.
“We will certainly coordinate with the Papua Provincial Government so that the various needs expressed can receive joint attention, allowing elderly residents to live more comfortably and prosper,” said Ribka.
This working visit demonstrates the government’s commitment to elderly welfare. Additionally, the visit encourages the social welfare centre to continue developing into a safe, comfortable living environment that provides positive activities for its residents.