Gus Ipul entrusts poverty alleviation mission to Karang Taruna
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul) has issued a call to Karang Taruna to take a larger role in supporting poverty alleviation efforts and providing assistance to vulnerable groups. This invitation was delivered by Gus Ipul during the opening of the Training of Trainers (ToT) and the National Retreat of Karang Taruna Executives at Eco Edu Forest, Sentul, Bogor Regency, West Java.
In a release issued by the Ministry of Social Affairs in Jakarta on Saturday, Gus Ipul stated that the state’s duty to protect the community is mandated under Article 34 of the 1945 Constitution of the Republic of Indonesia. Consequently, the government continues to strengthen the social protection system to ensure that citizens receive lifelong assistance.
“The government aims to provide lifelong social protection. From birth to old age, the state must be present according to individual needs,” said Gus Ipul.
He explained that the government’s poverty alleviation strategy is not solely through the distribution of social assistance, but is also carried out through three main approaches: reducing the expenditure burden on the community, increasing income, and reducing pockets of poverty through integrated empowerment programmes.
In this endeavour, Gus Ipul believes Karang Taruna holds a strategic position due to its proximity to the community and its understanding of local social issues. “We invite Karang Taruna to participate in the success of the President’s programmes to serve vulnerable groups, strengthen data accuracy, and engage in empowerment programmes across various villages and sub-districts in Indonesia,” he said.
The General Chairman of the National Executive of Karang Taruna, Budisatrio Djiwandono, stated that Karang Taruna is ready to undertake this role by strengthening the capacity of its members down to the regional levels.
“We will continue to strengthen our structure and organisation from the central level down to the villages. We will endeavour to empower and provide knowledge to our executives so they are capable of addressing challenges and communicating the government’s strategic programmes,” said Budisatrio.
He added that this capacity building is also aimed at ensuring Karang Taruna members are prepared to assist those in need and address various social issues in their regions. “This will be one of our pillars as young people to play an active role in helping those who require support—whether it be the elderly, persons with disabilities, or young people whose businesses need empowerment, as well as environmental and area restoration and the importance of sustainability education,” Budisatrio concluded.