MP absorbs aspirations of disabled and elderly in Magetan
Jakarta (ANTARA) - Member of Commission VII of the Indonesian House of Representatives, Novita Hardini, absorbed the aspirations of disabled individuals and the elderly during a recess activity in Ngariboyo Village, Magetan Regency, East Java, emphasising the importance of the state’s presence for vulnerable communities.
In a dialogue with residents, Novita highlighted the needs for accessibility and health aids for the disabled after receiving input from a resident named Trisna, who requested assistance with a wheelchair for his mother following a leg amputation.
“Aspirations like those expressed by Mr Trisna serve as a reminder that the state must be present in every alley and home of the people. We will immediately strive to provide this health aid so that his mother can regain mobility and independence,” Novita said in a statement received in Jakarta on Saturday.
In addition to disability issues, residents also voiced complaints about economic pressures due to rising prices of basic necessities. One resident, Tatik, urged the government to consider the impacts of its policies on ordinary people.
“Ordinary folk don’t know anything about policies; what we know is that our household basic needs must be met. Please, every policy taken should consider its impact on us,” said Tatik.
In response, Novita affirmed that she would bring residents’ aspirations regarding the expansion of inclusive job opportunities and strengthening women’s economic empowerment to the central level.
According to her, the creative micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSME) sector could be one solution to enhance economic independence for vulnerable groups, including elderly women.
“I clearly heard Mrs Tatik’s voice. Economic policies must not only pamper the productive but must also protect the vulnerable. As a people’s representative, I will continue to urge the government to ensure that women’s economic empowerment programmes reach the elderly layers, so they remain empowered and independent in their old age,” she said.
During the event, Novita also distributed food aid packages to hundreds of elderly women and disabled individuals as an effort to alleviate the burden on the community amid fluctuations in food prices.
She emphasised that all aspirations received during the recess would serve as material for discussion in DPR RI working meetings to ensure central government policies remain favourable to ordinary people.
“I assure you that all notes from Ngariboyo Village will become important points in DPR RI working meetings to ensure central government policies remain favourable to the little people,” said Novita.