Youth Pledge: Social Assistance Encourages Younger Generation to Become More Empowered and Independent
Jakarta – In commemoration of Youth Pledge Day, the government, through the Ministry of Social Affairs, reaffirmed its commitment to making social assistance (bansos) not merely a temporary means of support, but also a gateway to independence and empowerment for the younger generation. Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf, also known as Gus Ipul, stated that social protection programs are now geared towards strengthening the competitiveness of productive communities so they are no longer dependent on government assistance.
Gus Ipul encouraged beneficiary families (KPM) to seize this opportunity to improve their personal and family economic capacity. He argued that social assistance should be viewed as a bridge to empowerment, not an end in itself.
“Going forward, I want to encourage people of productive age to think beyond receiving social assistance. We must consider how to move toward empowerment programs,” he said.
He also emphasized that the increase in social assistance and the increase in the number of beneficiaries are concrete manifestations of President Prabowo Subianto’s concern for people in lower economic groups.
“The expansion of social assistance and the number of beneficiaries demonstrate the government’s commitment to those in deciles 1 to 4 of the National Social and Economic Single Data (DTSEN). This demonstrates the government’s presence to ensure the community’s basic needs are met,” said Gus Ipul.
He further explained that the Temporary Direct Cash Assistance (BLTS) program, with a total value of Rp31.54 trillion, will be focused on those in genuine need. With an allocation of Rp300,000 per month for three months, a lump sum of Rp900,000 will be disbursed to each recipient.
“Of course, next week, the distribution will continue to increase until regular social assistance is complete. Meanwhile, the Temporary Direct Cash Assistance (BLTS), which targets more than 35 million beneficiary families (KPM), is currently in the final stages of data matching,” he said.
He emphasized that social assistance should be used to meet basic needs, not for things that deviate from the program’s objectives. Gus Ipul also warned against misuse of aid funds, such as for online gambling, as this violates regulations and applicable provisions.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Social Affairs Agus Jabo Priyono emphasized that the government continues to expand the Empowered Village program as an effort to reduce poverty and foster community economic independence. This program, Agus Jabo said, serves as a starting point for communities to develop local potential and create new business opportunities.
“This is a starting point for communities to become more empowered. Through Kampung Berdaya, we encourage residents to stand on their own two feet,” he said.
Agus Jabo explained that the livestock sector is a key focus in the development of the Empowered Village program because it has significant potential to create jobs and improve the well-being of residents. He also emphasized that this initiative aligns with the President’s hope for a happy and prosperous community through sustainable economic empowerment.
“Bismillah, hopefully this collaboration will be the starting point for the Empowered Village in the livestock sector. It’s just the beginning, but we’re proving that the spirit of empowerment continues,” said Agus Jabo optimistically.
Support for the social empowerment policy also comes from the regions. The Head of the South Sulawesi Social Services Agency, Abd Malik Faisal, emphasized that the South Sulawesi Provincial Government is committed to ensuring that all social assistance is distributed appropriately, in the right amounts, and on time. This not only alleviates the economic burden on residents but also maintains the dignity of beneficiaries, including former leprosy sufferers, ensuring their empowerment and independence.
“In accordance with the Governor’s directives and instructions, we want to ensure that no South Sulawesi resident is left behind. We hope this assistance will ease their burdens and motivate them to continue working and becoming independent,” he said.
In accordance with the Governor of South Sulawesi’s directive, his office is providing direct assistance and monitoring by social workers to ensure that the distribution of social assistance is proceeding according to the verified recipient list. In addition to distributing non-cash assistance through each recipient’s account, social workers are also providing guidance and motivation to ensure the funds are used wisely and productively.
“We continue to strengthen collaboration to ensure that social assistance truly benefits those in need,” said Malik Faisal.
