Distributing Free Prosthetic Legs, MoSA Brings New Hope for Persons with Disabilities

MANADO (December 30, 2023) - An array of prosthetic legs can be seen in one corner of the "Tumou Tou" Center hall in Manado, which was visited by Social Affairs Minister Tri Rismaharini on Thursday (28/12). Not far away were the happy faces of the eleven beneficiaries who would receive the prosthetic legs.

However, it was not only happy faces that were caught by Social Affairs Minister Risma. She also saw the anxiety and despair that they may have felt or still feel. Therefore, the Minister of Social Affairs tried to calm their anxiety over their physical condition.

"God may give us weakness, but God must give a strength. God can't be unfair. It's just how we can maximize God's gift," said the Minister calming down all the beneficiaries.

The Minister also gave an example of persons with disabilities who are now successful after maximizing entrepreneurial assistance provided by the Ministry of Social Affairs. In fact, according to the Minister, now they have a high income and do not need to rely on social assistance because of their hard work to prove themselves that limitations are not an obstacle.

"Show others that you can. In fact, it exceeds people who are physically complete. Many are like this (disabled), but their income is very high," said Risma giving confidence into them.

With the provision of these prosthetic legs, the Minister of Social Affairs hopes that the beneficiaries can be more productive. Therefore, the Minister of Social Affairs will also provide entrepreneurial assistance through the "Tumou Tou" Center in Manado for those who are determined to be productive and change their fate for the better.

"Ladies and gentlemen, keep fighting! You must not give up. This is not the end, this is the beginning of success," said the Minister.

Sukardi (52), who became disabled due to a work accident at the mine land 13 years ago, felt relieved after learning that he would get a free prosthetic leg. Sukardi admitted that he had stopped working for three years because his old prosthetic leg was damaged.

His new prosthetic leg gives him a glimmer of hope to be able to return to active farming. Therefore, Sukardi never ceases to appreciate the Ministry of Social Affairs and all parties who have helped realize his little hope.

"I am very grateful to the Ministry of Social Affairs, the "Tumou Tou" Center in Manado, and all those who helped me get this prosthetic leg. It turns out that the government pays attention to small people like me," he concluded emotionally.

Public Relations Bureau
Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs