Social Ministry Holds Free Cataract Operations in Bekasi
Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul) inspected the implementation of a social service and the Integrated Distribution of Social Rehabilitation Assistance (ATENSI) at Bhakti Husada Hospital, Cikarang, Bekasi Regency, West Java, today. The total value of assistance distributed amounts to IDR 776,360,500 for 434 beneficiaries.
This activity is a collaboration between the Ministry of Social Affairs through the Integrated Center of Pangudi Luhur (STPL) Bekasi, the Bekasi Regency Government, the Pundi Amal Peduli Kasih (YPP) Foundation, Bhakti Husada Cikarang Hospital, and the Pratama Sunat Rusunda Clinic.
Gus Ipul said the assistance is intended for beneficiary families, such as the poor and orphaned children who need help. This is because the government has a duty and responsibility to protect, provide health guarantees, social rehabilitation, and social empowerment for the community.
“This is one of the tasks of the Ministry of Social Affairs from the President to really pay attention to those who are called the invisible people. They are around us, but have not been touched by development programs, they are the marginalized, they are the less fortunate,” said Gus Ipul in his statement, Wednesday (25/2/2026).
The assistance provided in this social service includes free cataract surgery, circumcision, disability aids, health checks, assistance with paying outstanding tuition fees, training and distribution of entrepreneurship assistance. Then, nutritional packages, personal hygiene equipment, kitchen and room facilities, to school supplies.
Gus Ipul said that providing this assistance is one of the real forms of government in helping people in need.
“So the government really has attention, especially in the era of President Prabowo, to those who are not visible,” he explained.
For this reason, Gus Ipul invited all parties, especially local governments, to continue to synergize to strengthen accurate data. In this way, the assistance provided by the government can be more targeted.
“This data is what we continue to improve, we update it so that we use it as a guide in distributing social assistance,” said Gus Ipul.
“One of the keys is data. If it is in the data, then we can intervene together. Therefore, once again, Mr. Regent, let’s strengthen our data starting from the village. From the village, where does it come from? From the neighborhood units (RT), community units (RW),” he continued.
On the same occasion, the Acting Regent of Bekasi, Dr. Asep Surya Atmaja, appreciated and thanked the assistance that had been given to the community in his area.
“Alhamdulillah, today with the contribution from the Ministry of Social Affairs, a social service has been carried out, namely cataract surgery, health checks, free circumcision and there is training and distribution of entrepreneurship assistance,” said Asep.
One of the beneficiaries who received free circumcision assistance was Gentha Abizar Habibie (7). He came accompanied by his mother.
Gentha will celebrate his eighth birthday tomorrow, February 26. He said this circumcision was a form of birthday present for himself.
“Thank you, Mr. Minister (Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf) because I can participate in circumcision here. This is a birthday present for me,” he said.
For information, the distribution of assistance was carried out in three locations in Bekasi Regency, namely Bhakti Husada Cikarang Hospital, Sukamana Village and Sukaasih Village. Also present at the event were the General Chair of the Pundi Amal Peduli Kasih (YPP) Foundation, Imam Sudjarwo and the Director of Bhakti Husada Hospital, Dr. Abdul Aziz Chan.
(akn/ega)