Jakarta, Nov. 5 -- Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf said the Indonesian government is seeking to strengthen community empowerment programs to encourage social assistance beneficiaries, especially those of working age, to no longer rely on aid.

Speaking at the Presidential Palace, Jakarta, on Tuesday evening, he explained that community empowerment has become a special focus for President Prabowo Subianto, as evidenced by the establishment of a dedicated coordinating ministry to oversee community empowerment efforts.

"This signals a strong commitment from the President to bolster empowerment. We shouldn't rely solely on social assistance because if it isn't accompanied by empowerment, it ultimately demotivates the beneficiaries," ...