A Landslide Victim Ask Minister of Social Affairs for Livestock Assistance

A Landslide Victim Ask Minister of Social Affairs for Livestock Assistance
Writer :
Rizka Surya Ananda
Translator :
Alif Mufida Ulya

TANA TORAJA (April 17th, 2024) – An emotional atmosphere greeted the arrival of Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini at the funeral home for the victims who died as a result of Palangka landslide disaster, Manggau Village, Makale District, Tana Toraja Regency. In the midst of grief, the presence of the Minister could at least provide solace. Several heirs seemed unable to control their tears when the Minister asked about their condition.

Ryan (15) was one of them. This teenager lost his parents when landslide occurred on Saturday (13/4) in the middle of the night which claimed 20 deaths. Ryan's youngest brother was also injured and is currently still lying in hospital. To Ryan, the Minister offered to live in one of the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA)' Centers located in Manado or Makassar. However, Ryan wanted to stay in Makale and preferred to be given assistance in the form of pigs for him to raise.
"Yeah, I just asked for pigs," said Ryan.

Apart from Ryan, Meliana Sombor (33) also felt the same sorrow. She had to be willing to lose her husband and second child in the landslide that occurred on April 13th. Not only houses, fields where people gardening were also destroyed by landslides. Even so, Meliana still has to get up to raise her three other children. During a dialogue with the Minister, Meliana requested that she be provided with educational facilities for her first child.

The Minister had offered to stay at MoSA's Center in Manado. Previously, Meliana's first child had registered at a university in Manado, but failed since she wanted to help care for her one-month-old sister. Meliana felt that the Minister really cared about her.

"Thank you for coming directly to see us here. Thank you," said Meliana.

The families of the victims who died get the Minister’ serious concern, especially for those who are still at school age. The Minister offered various options to ensure their survival.

Publicly, the Minister offered children to live in Centers owned by MoSA. Even though the Minister fully understands that leaving one's homeland is a difficult thing to do. However, the rejection of the offer she made to the victim did not necessarily make the Minister despair. She also offered business capital to families who are responsible for raising children whose parents have abandoned them.

"In Sulawesi, we have several Centers, such as in Makassar, Manado, Takalar and Gowa. Previously, there was a child who is now an orphan. I took him to Makassar or Manado, but he didn't want to. For me, it was a comfortable offer as I don't need to worry anymore about whether his food needs will be met or not. If he lives there, it will definitely be guaranteed. But he doesn't want to, he's asking for pig farming," said her.

Meanwhile, the Minister provided compensation to the heirs of the deceased and injured victims. The heirs of the victims who died received compensation of IDR 15 million which was given to 20 people, while the injured victims received IDR 5 million which was given to 2 people so that the total amount of compensation given by MoSA was IDR 310 million.

Public Relations Bureau
Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs
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