Abandoned Children Under the Bridge Referred to "Handayani" Children's Center

JAKARTA (November 12, 2020) - The DKI Jakarta Provincial Social Office finally referred one of the three abandoned children under the Tambora Morning Market Bridge to the "Handayani" Children's Center in Jakarta.

Previously reported, three neglected children were found under a bridge by PPSU DKI Jakarta officers, one of whom was crying. The three children were then secured at the Cengkareng Sports Center, West Jakarta to be given protection.

In response to this, the Ministry of Social Affairs had previously assigned the West Jakarta Social Worker Service Unit (Sakti Peksos) to conduct an assessment of the three children. Furthermore, "Handayani" Children's Center was assigned to follow up on the results of the assessment.

“Our Social Workers have been to GOR Cengkareng. Indeed, there were three children found abandoned, two boys and one girl. The boys are 10 and 7 years old, while the girls are 5 years old. Those who are 7 and 5 years old are brothers and sisters," explained the Head of the "Handayani" Children's Center, Neni Riawati.

The parents of two children who are siblings have been found and have returned to the family, while one child's whereabouts are unknown. Based on this, according to Neni, one child was finally decided to be referred to the hall.

“So one child has lived on the street for a long time and doesn't know where his family is. While looking for the parents, we agreed with the Social Service and related parties that the child be referred to the center for a while," he added.

The children were referred directly by the DKI Jakarta Provincial Social Office, represented by Ani Nasariani, to the "Handayani" Children's Center. Furthermore, Neni said that the hall would provide social rehabilitation and investigate the child's parents.

Neni also said that her party will continue to monitor the two children who have been returned to their families because of the possibility of exploitation of the three children.

"We can't confirm any exploitation but there are indications in that direction. The children admitted that they were told to sing and sell on the street. Claiming to be violent too. However, we still need further assessment to explore it,” concluded Neni.