Social Minister affirms commitment to boosting economy of Pasuruan City
Pasuruan, East Java — Social Minister Saifullah Yusuf, commonly known as Gus Ipul, has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving the economic welfare of Pasuruan City residents through various strategic programmes channelled via the Ministry of Social Affairs.
“The government wants to ensure that every assistance provided becomes a stepping stone towards family welfare, particularly for the people of Pasuruan City,” said the Social Minister during the inauguration ceremony of Masjid Makkah KHAS in Pasuruan City on Tuesday.
According to him, a number of government strategic programmes such as Sekolah Rakyat (People’s School), designed specifically for the poorest families, are ready to make a positive impact on Pasuruan City residents by fostering future local leaders who can improve the regional economy.
He stated that the Sekolah Rakyat in Pasuruan City would have its capacity expanded to accommodate approximately 300 students from elementary, junior high, and senior high school levels.
The Social Minister also urged the community to join the Red and White Village/Neighbourhood Cooperatives (KDKMP) as a vehicle for economic empowerment.
He cited one empowerment programme being promoted by the government: providing laying hen livestock assistance to low-income productive families. In Pasuruan Regency, which is serving as a pilot model for this assistance, each family receives 24 hens together with complete cage facilities and management training.
“I hope a similar programme can soon be implemented evenly across Pasuruan City to increase household income,” said Gus Ipul.
On the same occasion, he inaugurated Masjid Makkah KHAS, whose name is derived from the initials of three East Java figures: East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa, Pasuruan City Mayor Adi Wibowo, and Social Minister Saifullah Yusuf, who served as Deputy Governor of East Java from 2009-2019 and Mayor of Pasuruan from 2021-2024.
He hopes that Masjid Makkah KHAS in Pasuruan City can become a symbol of collaborative sustainable development in the region.