Aisyah said that she is grateful for the assistance provided by the ministry under the Integrated Welfare House (RST) program.
"Because there was no toilet, I used plastic bag (to defecate) and threw (it) into the forest or river behind," she recalled at her newly renovated home here on Monday.
She has chosen to live alone in her old age as she does not want to trouble her child, who lives next door.
"I am afraid of being troublesome because I like to pee at night; it is more comfortable to have my own home even though it is ugly. I do not want to disturb my children," she said.
Meanwhile, the head of Pulo Rungkom village, Adami, said that the renovation of the 3.5 x 5 meters home was carried out from March 18 to May 26, 2024.
The renovation cost Rp20 million, or around US$1,214, which is the standard funding provided under the RST program, he informed.
"Thank God, we are very happy to get a house assistance from the Social Affairs Ministry for Mrs. Aisyah. Hopefully, there will be more help for other residents whose conditions are like Aisyah," he remarked.
Adami informed that four or five houses inhabited by old people in the area are in a similar state and need to be renovated. He is therefore planning to propose the renovation of those homes to the government.
Aisyah's house is one of the 27 that have been renovated under the RST program as part of the commemoration of 2024 National Elderly Day on May 29.
This year's National Elderly Day activities are centered in the North Aceh district.
Related news: 2,550 houses of poor families in Aceh's Langsa city get renovated
Related news: President inspects home renovation project in Jambi
Translator: Sean M, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
Copyright © ANTARA 2024
