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Highlights of the 7th Seminar in the Policy and Comparative Development Studies Seminar Series

Seminars
21 Feb 2022

Policy and Comparative Development Studies Seminar Series

The seventh Policy and Comparative Development Studies Seminar Series was held on 10 February 2022. The seminar was presented by Ms. Handayani Sari with the topic of ‘Social Assistance for the Older People During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Indonesia’s Case’.

Most of the social assistance provided by the Indonesian government (from March to July 2020), meant for the older people to tide over during the pandemic has been irregular (i.e. one time only). The distribution of staple ingredients is an example. In an attempt to evenly distribute the sanctioned social assistance, the Ministry of Social Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia distributed the assistance to those older people who had not received non-cash food assistance and cash social assistance. This was an important intervention to equalize the assistance distributed and avoid cases of the recipients concerned receiving redundant goods. The Ministry of Women's Empowerment and Child Protection of the Republic of Indonesia provides social assistance in the form of a package to fulfil the special needs of older people, including those of diapers and milk. Some older people have also had to face layered challenges. Not only did they struggle during the pandemic but their living conditions also worsened because of natural disasters (such as floods and whirlwinds). Moreover, large-scale social restrictions in Indonesia have meant that the risk of losing jobs has always been present for the country’s older people. Without the benefit of pension funds and other savings, the situation that jobless older people find themselves in has gone from bad to worse. Hence, social assistance from the government during the pandemic is essential. Further, the regular distribution of this assistance is no less significant. The kind of social assistance that this study refers to is also important to reduce older people's dependence on their families. The government faces certain challenges to keep upgrading the data on this front. Timely updation of relevant data is a must to ensure that the government’s social assistance is targeted and distributed effectively.

Policy and Comparative Development Studies Seminar SeriesPolicy and Comparative Development Studies Seminar Series