East Java Provincial Government Supports Ministry of Social Affairs in Strengthening LKS Standardisation

Surabaya - The East Java Provincial Government supports the Ministry of Social Affairs’ efforts to strengthen the standardisation and participation of Social Welfare Institutions (LKS) through revitalisation, data collection, and accreditation to improve the quality of mutual cooperation-based social services. “This effort is to enhance the value of mutual cooperation and social solidarity. That all independent members of society can contribute as good citizens to help the government address social issues,” said East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa in a statement received in Surabaya on Sunday. Khofifah stated that LKS serve as the spearhead of social services in the community through orphan care, elderly services, rehabilitation for persons with disabilities, and support for other vulnerable groups. According to her, the large number of LKS in East Java demonstrates the strong spirit of social concern among the people. Based on data from the Ministry of Social Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, there are more than 2,500 LKS in East Java, and around 1,600 of them have been accredited. However, Khofifah continued, the large number of institutions must be accompanied by professional, standardised, and accountable service quality to provide optimal social protection. “Everything must be based on guidelines and principles of social work and social welfare regulations. One of them is to carry out accreditation. Accreditation is not just administrative, but a standard benchmark so that every programme implemented can be accounted for to the public,” she emphasised. Khofifah also appreciated the dedication of LKS in East Java, which remain consistent in helping the community despite limited government support. “Through this Forum, we are confident it will create new hopes for all LKS to play a better, professional, and accountable role,” she said. Meanwhile, the Minister of Social Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Saifullah Yusuf, stated that LKS are the government’s main partners in organising social welfare, thus requiring accurate governance and data. Gus Ipul, as he is known, also appreciated the support from the East Java Provincial Government, which became the first region to start revitalising and accrediting LKS in Indonesia.