Erick Thohir: Elderly Should Not Be Ignored In This Country

JAKARTA - Along with the journey and progress of the Indonesian people, the role of the elderly (elderly) in this country cannot be ignored. Therefore, the Minister of SOEs, Erick Thohir, asked the entire community to learn and appreciate the services of the elderly by not placing them as second-class citizens. According to him, this attitude is also a reflection of being a civilized nation. This was emphasized by Erick Thohir at the commemoration of the 2022 National Elderly Day (HLUN) which took place at the Coordinating Board for Social Welfare Activities (BKKKS) Surabaya City, East Java, Saturday, 4. Juni. "One of the mirrors of our civilized nation is how we take care of the elderly who have contributed greatly to this country. Therefore, we should never place them as second class or inferior citizens. In fact, in old age, we must continue to help and give attention to remain empowered according to their capacity so that they are productive, healthy, and continue to contribute," he said in an official statement, quoted on Sunday, June 5.

Furthermore, Erick admitted that he had ordered state-owned companies whose mission was to improve the people's economy to cooperate with several local governments, including in East Java, in involving the elderly in several empowerment programs. One of them is the Mekaar UMKM program. Not only that, said Erick, BUMN through PLN and the Regional Government as well as the Dharma Wanita network initiated the energy literacy movement and equalized access to energy for the elderly in the form of providing assistance with electric stoves that have passed the Operational Eligibility Certificate (SLO), especially in areas Surabaya and its surroundings. "Equitable access to energy, including for the elderly, is a very crucial issue. This is a mandate for us, BUMN, through PLN to ensure inclusive energy access for every level of society," he explained.

Furthermore, Erick said that this is also a manifestation of PLN's task, which is much bigger than seeking maximum profit. In this regard, Erick also guarantees access to electricity and energy at the orphanage and Karang Wreda for the elderly provided by PLN. Thus, said Erick, it is no longer difficult for senior citizens to get access to electricity to fill their days with work, hobbies, and other productive activities. "It is planned that BUMN will also provide other facilities, such as health and sports for the elderly So that they are always healthy, happy, and prosperous in their old age," he said. Present at the event were representatives from the Central BKKS, the Indonesian Doctor's Wives Association, East Java Dharma Wanita, and the Women's Organizational Movement (GOW).