Inak Reme, A Portrait of Poverty in NTB

At the age of 80, Reme, or as she is affectionately known Inak Reme, spends her old age in solitude, alone in a plywood-walled house that is far from habitable. The house, measuring approximately 4x4 square metres, stands in Mapak Reong Hamlet, Kuranji Dalam Village, Labuapi Subdistrict, West Lombok Regency, West Nusa Tenggara (NTB). The simple structure is divided into two sections. The first room, about 4x1 square metres, connects directly to the main door. The second room, around 4x3 square metres, serves as Reme’s sleeping area. Its condition is heartbreaking. The floor is still bare earth without ventilation, making the space stuffy and dark throughout the day. The house also lacks a bathroom or toilet. To relieve herself, Reme must walk to a ditch in front of the house. In her twilight years, Reme is no longer able to engage in activities. Her days are spent waking up, performing prayers, and then lying back down on a simple bamboo bed. She lives alone, without family. In fact, Reme is known never to have married. Amid these limitations, Reme continues her life without complaint. Help comes from surrounding neighbours who provide her with food every day. However, to this day, she has never received any form of government assistance. Ironically, Reme’s existence was only recorded when her voice was needed in the 2024 General Election (Pemilu). “Inak Reme is one of our residents. She was identified or her identity became apparent after the recent election during the population data collection by the Voting Committee (PPS),” said the Head of Mapak Reong Hamlet, Jumiri, on Wednesday (15/4/2026). Meanwhile, the Deputy Chair of Commission IV of the West Lombok Regional People’s Representative Council (DPRD), Syamsuriansyah, said he had personally visited to see Reme’s condition. “I truly appreciate the neighbours who have been caring for Inak Reme. I provided whatever assistance I could to the neighbours caring for her, because Inak Reme only asks for Rp 5,000,” said the politician who resides in Labuapi. Syamsuriansyah expressed his concern over Reme’s situation. He noted that she has never been included in the National Socio-Economic Single Data (DTSEN). He assured that he would summon relevant Regional Device Organisations (OPD) to seek explanations regarding the matter.