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| The Social Welfare Studies Program (Kesos) at UMM held a national public lecture themed ‘A New Paradigm in Social Welfare Development Management in Indonesia’ (Photo: Zafira Humas). |
Health and education are essential to consider, but economic welfare is equally important for society. Therefore, there is hope that social workers will improve their services. This was explained by the Vice Governor of East Java, Emil Dardak, as one of the speakers at the national public lecture organized by the Social Welfare Studies Program at the University of Muhammadiyah Malang (UMM).
The event, themed ‘Paradigma Baru dalam Manajemen Pembangunan Kesejahteraan Sosial di Indonesia (A New Paradigm in Social Welfare Development Management in Indonesia),’ was attended by 260 participants on December 17. Interestingly, students from various backgrounds and religions were present. This also serves as evidence of UMM's inclusivity in carrying out its mission.
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Emil stated that to improve the economic welfare of society, a solution would be to address poverty. For instance, by fulfilling basic needs or providing social assistance to those categorized as underprivileged. “The way for society to escape poverty is not to rely solely on social assistance but to allow them to become economically independent. This is the challenge that must be addressed first,” he said.
He mentioned four new pillars in social welfare, including public service technology, economic landscape changes, integration of social safety nets, and demographics and socio-culture. Regarding public service technology, the government can use big data, AI, and technology as infrastructure. Although many challenges need to be faced, by optimizing the human resources of social workers, he is optimistic that social welfare services in Indonesia can be improved.
Also present was community activist and Kesos UMM alumnus, Luthfi Jayadi Kurniawan. He explained that the state must protect its citizens, as stated in the preamble about social justice for all.
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“What is concerning is that many people think social workers are just like those who are working on community service in neighborhood associations. But it’s not like that. I believe alumni of the Kesos UMM program have the potential and quality to become good social workers. Therefore, let’s define this social worker profession accurately because we work for humanity,” he said.
Regarding this agenda, UMM Rector Prof. Dr. Nazaruddin Malik explained that the management of social welfare development should be based on the nation's foundation, which is Pancasila. “The state must be able to open access for all its citizens, especially for achieving an equal and decent life. For example, in fulfilling basic needs or wealth, which manifests as prosperity,” he said. (zaf/wil/fajr)
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