Text and image Edwien Bodjie
PARAMARIBO — “Things are expensive, people are struggling, but we are not sitting still. We are working to make things better,” Paul Somohardjo, chairman of Pertjajah Luhur (PL), said during a press briefing at party headquarters on Friday. The party presented its plans to focus more heavily on social projects in the coming period, with an emphasis on affordable basic goods, housing and healthcare.
The meeting focused on an evaluation of the past year and the presentation of concrete plans for the near future. Somohardjo pointed out that the party is aware of the pressure under which many households in Suriname are currently living.
“If everyone contributes, the country can progress”
An important part of the plans is the establishment of various cooperatives. PL wants to set up a credit cooperative, among other things, to encourage members to save. In addition, work is being done on a housing cooperative that focuses on affordable housing.
Somohardjo indicated that so-called prefab homes are being considered, which can be produced at relatively low costs. He stated that there are models costing less than US$10,000, with even cheaper variants. The party sees the housing shortage in Suriname as urgent and wants to offer homes with low monthly costs through a cooperative model, whereby residents can eventually become owners of their homes.
Affordable basic goods and social support
PL also wants to intervene actively in the areas of food supply and price control. The party is working on a system in which basic goods reach consumers directly via collection points. This should not only ensure lower prices, but also more stability in the distribution chain.
“The prices of products such as onions and potatoes fluctuate widely. We want to bring stability and help people find affordable goods,” says Somohardjo. He said that the initiative is not intended to make a profit. “We are not a business party, but a social organization.”
Distribution will take place through local structures and volunteers. Central points will be established in various neighborhoods and districts where people can collect their ordered goods. In Paramaribo, a limited delivery service is also being developed, although the emphasis remains on collection points to keep costs low.
In addition to economic initiatives, the party also focuses on sports, culture and youth development. Sports activities are regularly organized on the grounds of the party center, from football to volleyball. This should contribute to discipline and community building.
PL is also preparing a youth program in which young people from the age of fifteen are involved in political and social education. “We are getting older, so we must transfer our knowledge and experience to the next generation,” the chairman said.
In the field of healthcare, the party wants to develop affordable home care. Although consultations are still ongoing with the government about this, PL does not rule out taking its own initiatives. The party already has two retirement homes and wants to bring care closer to the people.
Hindustani immigration
During the press briefing, the commemoration of Hindustani immigration was also discussed. Somohardjo expressed his congratulations to the community and praised the solidarity within Surinamese society.
In response to questions from the press, the PL chairman stated that the party does not focus exclusively on long-term plans, but mainly on direct support of the population. “We can keep talking about the future, but people need help now. That’s why we start with what is feasible.”
He added that the party’s model could be more widely applicable if other organizations and political parties also develop similar initiatives. “If everyone contributes, the country can move forward.”
