"President Prabowo Subianto has assigned the Social Affairs Ministry three priority mandates that we need to follow up on together," he told regional leaders during a meeting at his office in Jakarta on Tuesday, as quoted in a statement on Wednesday.
He underscored the importance of DTSEN, stressing that all ministries, agencies, and regional governments must rely on it in implementing their programs, especially those directly affecting public welfare.
"It is mandatory for us all to strictly use DTSEN for social aid distribution, not any other data. If you want to make a program, you must refer to DTSEN," Yusuf said.
The minister further emphasized the need to regularly verify and validate information compiled in DTSEN to enhance accuracy and effectiveness of programs.
"I urge all district heads, mayors, and governors to update the data. Let us work together to ensure that our data is reliable," he stated.
While highlighting the need for accurate aid distribution, Yusuf also reminded regional governments that President Prabowo is determined to shift focus from aid to empowerment, to help the people become more self-reliant.
"The mandate is not to rely solely on the distribution of staple goods as aid," he noted, pointing out that the establishment of the Coordinating Ministry for Community Empowerment reflects this commitment.
Turning to the tuition-free Sekolah Rakyat (People's School) program, he urged full support from regional governments to establish temporary, and later permanent, school sites.
President Prabowo launched Sekolah Rakyat on July 14 to expand access to quality education for children from families classified as poor or extremely poor in DTSEN.
The program provides not only formal education but also character and religious lessons for children at elementary, junior high, and senior high school levels.
So far, the government has opened 100 Sekolah Rakyat sites nationwide, with the number expected to reach 165 by the end of this year. The long-term target is to develop and operate 500 schools across the country.
Related news: President Prabowo pledges use of DTSEN to keep programs on target
Translator: Asep F, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Primayanti
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