Pancasila Villages in Surabaya Transform Social Concern into Economic Driver

In several corners of villages across Surabaya, resident solidarity has evolved beyond mere social practice into a community-based economic system. Through waste banks, independent social fund management, and mutual cooperation among residents, several Pancasila Villages have built self-reliance that transforms social concern into an economic driver.

One such example exists in Pancasila Village RW 9 Lemah Putro, Embong Kaliasin Sub-district, Genteng District, Surabaya. Surabaya Mayor Eri Cahyadi made a direct visit to observe resident activities in the area.

At RW 9 Lemah Putro, Eri witnessed how residents manage social solidarity into an organised independent assistance system. He assessed that this practice demonstrates how Pancasila values are genuinely translated into concrete action in residents’ daily lives.

“I am proud of RW 9 because they have implemented an Independent Village programme. We record data on poor families, identifying which are covered by city government assistance and which are helped through independent RW initiatives, ensuring aid does not accumulate and can be distributed together each month,” Eri stated in a written statement on Friday, 13 March 2026.

During his visit on Saturday, 21 February, Eri explained that Surabaya City Government applies a relatively strict poverty data verification system. Data collection is conducted using dozens of indicators, including physical housing conditions and family income levels.

Through this mechanism, the city government endeavours to ensure social assistance genuinely reaches residents in need.

“Our budget is limited, so we must prioritise. For example, with education assistance, we focus on two children per family so other families can also receive their fair share,” he explained.

Eri emphasised that social assistance should not create dependency. Therefore, he insisted that residents of productive age with the capacity to work but lacking the will to make effort should not continue depending on government assistance.

“If someone claims inability but refuses offered work, we will remove them from the assistance list. Except for elderly residents over 60 living alone, who must be fully covered by government,” he added.

In RW 9 Lemah Putro village, resident solidarity is also evident in their environmental management. Residents there implement waste segregation from households, which is then collected and managed through a waste bank system.

Dry waste collected is sold, and part of the proceeds is returned to residents as additional funds.

Eri views this step as aligned with efforts to build a healthy and sustainable residential environment. This accords with President Prabowo Subianto’s direction in creating a Safe, Healthy, Clean, Beautiful (ASRI) environment.

“If residents who refuse community service complain of flooding, they should not be listened to. We must move together,” he asserted.

On the other hand, Eri also encourages residents with better economic conditions to strengthen social solidarity in their neighbourhoods. According to him, zakat, infaq, and sedekah (ZIS) should be prioritised for nearby residents so benefits are directly felt by the local community.

“I want RW 9 Lemah Putro to become an example for other RWs in Surabaya. If the RW moves, PKK moves, KSH moves, and residents are united, then welfare will surely be achieved,” he said.

Besides RW 9 Lemah Putro, similar practices also exist in Pancasila Village RW IV, Ngagel Rejo Sub-district, Wonokromo District. In that village, resident solidarity develops through various collective initiatives, ranging from independent waste management, integrated environmental security systems (SISKAMDU), to community social fund collection.

He again emphasised that the main strength of Pancasila Villages lies in social concern that grows from the community. He also appreciated the active involvement of RW IV Ngagel Rejo residents who help one another.

“Alhamdulillah, this Pancasila Village is extraordinary. Here, waste segregation is working, and there are people helping those in need,” Mayor Eri said when visiting RW IV Ngagel Rejo on Sunday, 22 February.

Witnessing various practices developing in the village, Mayor Eri desired RW IV Ngagel Rejo Surabaya to become one prototype example for Pancasila Village development in other areas.

“I am very grateful. I am making this a prototype, an example for other Pancasila Villages that do not yet have one,” he stated.

RW IV Ngagel Rejo Chairman Endang Purwaningtyas reported that resident solidarity in her neighbourhood has developed into a collectively managed social assistance system.

She noted that from 2024 to February 2026, total donations collected from residents reached Rp90,331,000, and most have been distributed for various community social needs.

“From 2024 until today, we received donations from residents totalling Rp90,331,000. Then we distributed Rp88,686,500. So we have a balance of Rp1,644,500,” Endang said.

Endang explained that these funds are used for various resident needs. From food staple assistance, wheelchairs for elderly residents, to regular support for the Proud Surabaya Cares (BSP) programme.

“Perhaps this is a small part. But although small, we always inspire residents that we must be useful and participate in community development,” Endang said.

Besides social donations, RW IV Ngagel Rejo residents also developed a death benefit programme. This programme is followed by 741 heads of household, with voluntary contributions of Rp2,000 each time a resident passes away.

These funds are used to help grieving families, including costs for handling the deceased.

“We provide Rp1 million to the deceased. For body cleansing services Rp50,000 and burial services Rp50,000. So until November 2025, we have a balance of Rp50,038,300,” Endang concluded.