That morning, two officers from the Population and Civil Registration Office of Temanggung Regency traversed a narrow path towards a modest house in a remote village. Their journey was not just a routine visit, but an effort to ensure that vulnerable citizens, who have so far found it difficult to access administrative services, still receive their rights as citizens.
They are the Movement to Serve Vulnerable Population Administration Team (Gempita), an outreach program designed to assist the elderly, people with mental disorders, and individuals with intellectual disabilities in recording Electronic Identity Cards.
Every Monday and Thursday, Temanggung Disdukcapil officers, Wulan Slamet Susilo, along with her colleague, Kurniawan Dwi Septiarto, must visit the homes of residents who cannot come to the service office directly.
Village officials guide civil registry officers during the implementation of electronic ID card recording for residents vulnerable to population administration in Gununggempol, Jumo, Temanggung, Central Java
Civil registry officers search for an internet signal during the electronic ID card recording for residents vulnerable to population administration in Temanggung, Central Java
"The recording of electronic ID cards must indeed be conducted face-to-face with the officers because there is a process of fingerprinting and iris scanning. Meanwhile, some residents have limitations, making it difficult to come to the service office," said Wulan.
In some remote areas, they often face issues with unstable internet networks. To overcome this, the team must find the best signal spots, utilize the wifi of nearby residents, or even move locations to ensure the recording process can still be carried out.
However, the biggest challenge arises when recording for residents with mental disorders. The process often requires a personal approach and full patience.
Civil registry officers prepare to input data of residents vulnerable to population administration during the electronic ID card recording in Bejen, Temanggung, Central Java
Civil registry officers record the eyes of residents vulnerable to population administration during the electronic ID card recording in Bejen, Temanggung, Central Java
"We have to persuade them with an approach they like to make them willing to undergo iris scans, fingerprinting, and facial photos. Usually, we ask for help from village officials who understand the psychology of these residents to accompany us during the process," said Wulan.
It is not uncommon for a recording process for a person with mental disorders to take up to an hour. In contrast, for ordinary residents, the process only takes two to three minutes.
Despite the challenges, the Gempita program continues to run. Since its launch in mid-2024, as many as 222 vulnerable citizens were facilitated to record electronic ID cards in 2024. This number increased to 164 people in 2025 and by early 2026, about 40 residents were once again served through the outreach system.
Civil registry officers along with village officials photograph residents vulnerable to administration during the electronic ID card recording in Bejen, Temanggung, Central Java
Civil registry officers record fingerprints of residents vulnerable to population administration during the electronic ID card recording in Danurejo, Kedu, Temanggung, Central Java
For the Gempita team, this service is not just about population administration, but about ensuring every citizen still has full access to their rights.
"All Indonesian citizens are entitled to obtain a population identity. Currently, almost all services are based on the Population Identification Number, and the NIK is declared valid if the electronic ID card recording has been done," she said.
Ownership of an electronic ID card is the main gateway to accessing healthcare, social assistance, and various other public services. Therefore, amid the challenging terrain and conditions of the residents, the Gempita team continues to ensure the presence of the state reaches the most silent places in the outskirts of Temanggung.
Civil registry officers check the photo results during the electronic ID card recording for residents vulnerable to population administration in Purbosari, Ngadirejo, Temanggung, Central Java
Civil registry officers print electronic ID cards in Temanggung, Central Java
Photo and text by: Anis Efizudin
Civil registry officers put electronic ID cards into envelopes before sending them to recipients in Temanggung, Central Java
Village officials hand over electronic ID cards to family representatives of residents vulnerable to population administration in Temanggung, Central Java.
Editor: Akbar Nugroho Gumay
The caption is automatically translated by application. Click here for the Bahasa Indonesia version.
