Pramono Releases 584 White Troops, Will Serve Jakarta Residents Door-to-Door

JAKARTA - DKI Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung released 584 health workers who are members of the White Forces to start working. Hundreds of these officers will provide door-to-door health services to residents who have physical and psychological limitations, including the elderly and people with disabilities.

In his directive, Pramono explained that the White Forces had undergone training for a month before being deployed to the field. They are tasked with ensuring basic health services reach groups of people who cannot come directly to health facilities.

"Today I released 584 white troops. They have actually been working for one month, receiving training and they will be deployed to participate in the community for people in need," said Pramono at DKI Jakarta City Hall, Wednesday, October 29.

Pramono explained that this program was born from the results of direct observations of the condition of Jakarta residents who live in densely populated areas. According to him, there are still many people who are economically unlucky and live in environments that are difficult to reach health services.

"As long as I have traveled around several places in Jakarta, I see that one of the problems that need to be handled is the unlucky residents. Especially those who live in narrow alleys, very limited houses, together. Well, that is the responsibility of the white troops to be present to the community," he said.

He said white troops would work under the direct coordination of the DKI Jakarta Health Office and be part of the regional public health care system. If patients are found that require further treatment, they will also assist in the referral process to the hospital.

"They will provide treatment, referrals, even if needed, they will take the patient to a referral hospital," he continued.

Head of the DKI Jakarta Health Office, Ani Ruspitawati, explained that hundreds of White Forces officers would be spread across five city areas. Each auxiliary health center (pustu) at the village level will assign two officers to serve the community around the area.

"Today's white troops have 584, divided into five city areas. That's coordination at the assistant puskesmas level. So in each Pustu there are two white troops who will be coordinated by the pustu," said Ani.

According to Ani, White Forces services are provided free of charge. Their main focus is to help groups of people who have limitations in carrying out daily activities, such as the elderly, people with disabilities, or patient tirah baring.

"Everything is free. So the white troops are tasked with providing home health services to groups that really need it," he said.

Ani explained that the White Forces were recruited from the community with a minimum high school education. After passing the selection, they take part in intensive training for five days which includes basic health service skills, basic life support, and assistance to patients with limited physical activity.

"We are looking for high school-equivalent children, then we provide training to increase their competence. We will continue to improve the competence of these white troop friends so that they really become the spearhead of the Puskesmas directly to the community," he explained.

To reach residents who need services, the Health Office cooperates with Dasawisma cadres in each region. Dasawisma cadres have data on residents who need medical assistance and will be a liaison between the community and the White Forces.

"If there are residents who need it, apart from going to Dasawisma, they can directly access the nearest auxiliary health center," he added.