Nadhifa Putri, Jakarta – Around 50 people from the Urban Poor Union (SRMK) descended on the Jakarta city hall en masse today. They were representing poor people from 17 sub-districts and 23 village administrative districts that have been unable register as poor households (RTM) and become eligible to receive a welfare card for poor families (Gakin).
The demonstrators taking part in the peaceful action were mostly housewives and children wearing clothing matching their social status such as house dresses. The protesters were demonstrating because they were disappointed over the difficulties they have encountered in obtaining a Gakin welfare card or Askin (insurance assistance for the poor).
The protesters demanded that all village heads, sub-district heads, community healthcare centres (Puskesmas), neighborhood association and community unit heads (RT/RW) stop making it difficult for the poor to obtaining an SKTM (document certifying that a family is entitled to government assistance), Gakin or Askin.
“Reportedly 6,000 Gakin and Askin welfare cards have been produced, but actually this number is inadequate for all of the poor in Jakarta”, said SRMK general chairperson Marlo Sitompul at the Jakarta city hall on Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan on Wednesday July 4.
Between September and October the Jakarta regional government along with the Jakarta provincial health office plans to issue Gakin welfare cards to poor households. Household that have never received a Gakin card or have never received treatment using an SKTM or Puskesmas verification are being encouraged to request an SKTM from their RT/RW or village head along with a Puskesmas verification letter.
Upon receiving this information, Sitompul said that SRMK members immediately started assisting people to obtain Gakin welfare cards. They complained however over the actions by government officials who refused to provide a covering letter and even shouted at and abused them. “[They made] difficulties for lots of people even though they had followed procedures”, said Sitompul.
According to Ratinah (50), a resident from Bojong Kapling in Cengkareng, when she went to the Rawa Buaya Puskesmas in Cengkareng she was refused a verification letter by a government official. “We went in a large group to the administrative district and then on to the Puskesmas. Why then when [we] asked for a Gakin [recommendation] letter [did they] create difficulties”, asked the middle-aged woman.
After demonstrating at the city hall, at 12noon they moved off to continue their protests at the Jakarta Regional House of Representatives on Jl. Kebon Sirih. (anw/nrl)
[Translated by James Balowski.]
