Garage Day Surabaya Distributes Aid to 7,250 Families
INFO TEMPO - Ramadan 1447 Hijrah brings a sense of care to thousands of low-income families in Surabaya. The holy month saw the Surabaya City Government (Pemkot) together with the Gabungan Organisasi Wanita (GOW) organise again a social activity titled Garage Day 2026 as a channel for sharing with those in need.
Entering its fourth year, the activity shows significant development, both in participation and the amount of aid distributed. According to data from the Surabaya Social Service (Dinas Sosial, Dinsos), 7,250 low-income families benefit this year, up from around 5,000 in 2025.
Not only did the number of recipients rise, but the volume of aid gathered also increased. A total of 38,163 items of usable goods and basic necessities were collected through collaboration with various parties. Each family receives five types of goods packaged in aid parcels, ranging from food and beverages such as canned bread and syrup, clothing, to basic food packages containing rice, cooking oil, sugar, and instant noodles. In addition, aid in the form of mukenas, kitchen appliances, and even electronic goods were provided according to recipients’ needs.
Surabaya Mayor Eri Cahyadi stressed that Garage Day is not merely a relief activity, but also a means of fostering social care values in society. According to him, the programme initiated by the City Government with GOW has consistently been held every Ramadan for the last four years.
“Activities carried out by GOW have consistently run for four consecutive years, particularly in Ramadan. We invite anyone with surplus to share. This year’s collected aid was for 7,250 recipients with a total of around 38,163 items. Each person receives five items of basic needs,” said Eri at the opening of Garage Day at the GOW Surabaya Office, Monday, 2 March 2026.
He added that the strength of Surabaya lies not only in physical development or infrastructure, but also in the spirit of solidarity that grows among its people. He complimented residents who voluntarily contribute to social activities.
The Garage Day operation also serves as an example of cross-sector collaboration in social activities. In this event, the City Government and GOW Surabaya partnered with various parties, including Wings Group through PT Wings Surya, She Radio Surabaya, BPR Artha Surya Utama, Waron Hospital, PT RPH Surya, and RSUD dr. Soewandhie.
In addition to aid distribution, the event also features free health checks for residents and the holding of a low-price market across 31 districts in Surabaya. The programme aims to help residents obtain essential goods at affordable prices while maintaining food price stability during Ramadan 2026.
Meanwhile, the Chair of GOW Surabaya, Rini Indriyani, assured that all aid distributed has gone through data collection and verification to ensure it is targeted. She noted that the year-on-year increase in aid is evidence of the growing spirit of mutual cooperation in society.
If last year 5,000 gamis were distributed, this year the amount rose to 7,250 gamis received by the community. Some forms of aid are prioritised for the most needy groups, such as residents in the extreme poverty category and the elderly.
Garage Day 2026 Organising Committee Chair Relita Wulandari stressed that consistency is a key factor in the programme’s ongoing growth and broad support from the community and partners.
“Garage Day 2026 carries the theme Sharing with Others to Welcome Ramadan Blessed. For us, this theme is not merely a slogan, but a commitment realised through tangible work and consistency over four years,” she said.
Through reinforced collaboration between government, civil society, and the private sector, Garage Day is hoped to continue as a forum for togetherness and delivering tangible benefits to the community. The programme is also expected to make Ramadan in Surabaya a space of togetherness, where social care is truly felt by those in need. (ADV)