Indonesian Deputy Social Affairs Minister discusses disaster response and poverty alleviation

Indonesian Deputy Minister of Social Affairs Agus Jabo Priyono met with the Minister of National Development Planning/Head of Bappenas, Rachmat Pambudy, to discuss disaster management and social programs. Key topics included strengthening logistics and budget support for rapid disaster response, specifically addressing past challenges in East Nusa Tenggara where weather and transport hindered distribution. The discussion also covered food assistance programs for the elderly and people with disabilities, as well as the transition from emergency response to rehabilitation in Aceh and Flores.

Separately, Agus Jabo emphasized the role of higher education in poverty alleviation during a seminar at Universitas PGRI Ronggolawe. He described the 'Sekolah Rakyat' initiative as a social movement aimed at breaking the intergenerational cycle of poverty by expanding educational access for poor families. He urged universities to ensure that research and innovation provide tangible community impacts rather than remaining confined to academic journals.