Smiles from Ugan After Receiving Wheelchair Assistance from Regent Jeje

The happiness on the face of Ugan (59), a resident of Kampung Cileeur, RT 03, RW 05, Cikande Village, Saguling District, West Bandung Regency (KBB), West Java, was unmistakable upon receiving a wheelchair from the Regent of West Bandung, Jeje Ritchie Ismail. Accompanied by Deputy Regent Asep Ismail, the wheelchair was handed over directly at Ugan’s residence during a mass charity event to commemorate the 19th anniversary of West Bandung Regency. The activity was combined with the Strengthening Basic Social Services on Wheels (MASDARLING) programme, which brings social and health services directly to the community, initiated by the West Bandung Social Services Agency. “Alhamdulillah, I received a wheelchair. This will certainly greatly assist my mobility given my limitations,” said Ugan on Tuesday (7/7/2026). In addition to the wheelchair, Ugan had previously received assistance to repair his uninhabitable house (Rutilahu) from the West Bandung Regency Government and the Cikande Village Government. For Ugan, who has had physical limitations for 19 years, such assistance is essential. The government’s presence in the community is expected to provide direct support, not only in the form of equipment but also encouragement to remain healthy and active in life despite limitations. “Alhamdulillah, the government still cares about me. This certainly boosts my spirit. Thank you for the support and concern for me,” he said. West Bandung Regent Jeje Ritchie Ismail stated that the mass charity was provided to 1,919 elderly people spread across 16 sub-districts, matching the regency’s 19th anniversary. He said the commemoration of the region’s anniversary must bring tangible benefits to the community, especially vulnerable groups like the elderly. “The anniversary of West Bandung Regency is a momentum to strengthen care and togetherness. The government is present to ensure the elderly receive attention, service, and respect for their dedication to their families and the region,” said Jeje. This programme is a collaboration of all regional apparatuses working together to provide aid packages for the community. In addition to distributing charity, the MASDARLING programme also offers various basic social services, such as free health checks, distribution of wheelchairs, prosthetic limb assistance, and other social services that make it easier for residents to access government services without having to visit service offices. Jeje stated that public services must be closer to the community, especially for residents with limited access. “We want government services to be more accessible. The government does not wait for the community to come, but is present directly in their midst so that services can be felt quickly, easily, and beneficially,” said Jeje. He hopes the spirit of mutual cooperation and social care will continue to grow within the community, so that regional development is not only oriented towards physical development but also towards improving the welfare and quality of life of the community, especially the elderly. By carrying the spirit of ‘Bandung Barat Berbenah’ and ‘Bandung Barat Amanah’, the regency government is committed to continuing to provide services that are closer, more caring, and more impactful for all residents of West Bandung Regency.