Social Affairs Minister Urges Karang Taruna to Assist in Poverty Alleviation
Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf, also known as Gus Ipul, has invited Karang Taruna to take a larger role in supporting poverty alleviation efforts and providing assistance to vulnerable groups. According to Gus Ipul, 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 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,” Gus Ipul stated in a press release on Saturday (1/8/2026).
The invitation was delivered by Gus Ipul during the opening of the Training of Trainers (ToT) and the National Retreat of the Karang Taruna Board at Eco Edu Forest, Sentul, Bogor Regency, West Java, on Friday (31/7).
He explained that the government’s poverty alleviation strategy is not solely through the distribution of social assistance, but is also implemented through three main approaches: reducing public expenditure burdens, increasing income, and reducing pockets of poverty through integrated empowerment programmes.
In this effort, Gus Iability considers Karang Taruna to hold 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, and engage in empowerment programmes across various villages and sub-districts in Indonesia,” he said.
The General Chairperson of the National Board 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 to the villages. We will endeavour to empower and provide knowledge to our members so they are able to meet challenges and communicate the government’s strategic programmes,” said Budisatrio.
He added that this capacity building is also directed towards 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 truly need support. Whether it is the elderly, persons with disabilities, or young people whose businesses need empowerment, or even environmental and area restoration and the importance of sustainability education,” concluded Budisatrio.