Social Service in NTB: Ministry of Social Affairs Distributes Various Aid to Vulnerable Residents
Indonesia’s Minister of Social Affairs (Mensos), Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul), handed over various forms of assistance to 1,430 vulnerable residents in West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) as part of the Ministry of Social Affairs’ Social Service event at Sentra Paramita Mataram.
Gus Ipul’s arrival was warmly welcomed with a Gendang Belek performance by students from SLBN 1 Lombok Barat. Two accomplished students from SRMP 18 Lombok Barat, Mulyadi and Febrian Abdullah, placed woven scarves around the necks of Gus Ipul and NTB Governor Lalu Muhamad Iqbal.
The atmosphere grew even more lively with creative dances, bilingual speeches, and choir performances by students from Sekolah Rakyat.
Gus Ipul symbolically handed over social assistance to several beneficiary representatives. The total aid delivered to the NTB Provincial Government amounted to Rp 2,627,214,435.
“This is indeed ATENSI assistance, social rehabilitation assistance, for vulnerable groups in need. People with disabilities, families unable to afford retrieving their children’s diplomas, or families married for a long time but never having processed marriage certificates or family cards,” said Gus Ipul in a written statement on Friday (17/4/2026).
The assistance includes cataract surgeries for 500 beneficiaries (PM), mass circumcisions for 100 PM, disability aid devices for 100 PM, ATENSI for KP Napza and ODHIV for 50 PM, ATENSI for TSKPO for 8 PM, diploma redemptions for 24 PM, ATENSI for LKSA for 20 PM, freedom from chains for 10 PM, ATENSI for leprosy patients for 10 PM, ATENSI empowerment for 273 parents of Sekolah Rakyat students, marriage validation for 15 PM, therapy services for 10 PM, Integrated Prosperous House for 1 PM, ATENSI for AMPK and Violence Prevention Education for 223 PM, ATENSI for elderly room facilities and accessibility aids for 63 PM, and ATENSI entrepreneurship for KP Napza and ODHIV for 23 PM.
Cataract surgeries were conducted at two locations: RS Mandalika in Central Lombok for 355 beneficiaries and RSUD Bima for 165 beneficiaries.
For Gus Ipul, this assistance is not merely programme distribution but an effort to demonstrate the state’s presence amid the real problems faced by society.
One standout moment was when Gus Ipul called upon couple Awaludin and his wife. After 23 years of marriage, they finally received marriage validation assistance and family card processing.
“They have been married for 23 years. Previously, they had no marriage certificate, no family card,” said Gus Ipul.
“Today, alhamdulillah, they can finally process their marriage certificate. And at the same time, their family card, all assisted by the Director General of Social Rehabilitation of the Ministry of Social Affairs,” he added.
According to Gus Ipul, many families truly need a helping hand but their suffering often goes unnoticed.
“The important thing today is that we are called by the President to help those who are invisible. Families who may struggle to voice their aspirations and hopes due to various obstacles. Perhaps psychological, social, geographical constraints, or other barriers that prevent them from receiving proper government support,” said Gus Ipul.
During the event, several SRMP 18 students confidently shared their impressions. One of them, Lusiana Safara (14), recounted that over her 10 months at Sekolah Rakyat, she felt happy to learn for free, meet many friends, and enjoy what she considered excellent facilities.
Gus Ipul also witnessed a simulation of Coding and Artificial Intelligence (AI) learning by teacher Verra Selviana using a smartboard, showcasing the educational facilities now available to Sekolah Rakyat students.
In response, Gus Ipul noted that the children’s progress was clearly visible compared to his visit a few months earlier.
“We can see the development ourselves. The children are more confident, their talents are starting to show, and they can speak well in public. That is remarkable progress,” said Gus Ipul.
Towards the end of the event, Gus Ipul took photos with several ATENSI aid recipients while delivering a warm message.
“I want all fathers, mothers, and younger siblings to become more empowered in the future, to become independent families, and to raise a strong and great generation,” said Gus Ipul.
The closing atmosphere became even more touching when Aiman (13), a visually impaired individual, performed the song Perahu Kertas in front of the guests and Gus Ipul.
His clear voice warmly concluded the series of events.
For information, the event was also attended by Director General of Social Empowerment Mira Riyati Kurniasih, Director General of Social Rehabilitation Supomo, Head of Sentra Paramita Mataram Arif Rohman, Principal of SRMP 18 Lombok Barat Satria Irwandi, local government officials from NTB Province, Provincial Government Assistant I Fathul Gani, and Secretary of PWNU NTB Daud Nurjani.