Keep Enthusiastic Though the Hands are Amputated, Banyumas Resident Receives Assistance of 3-Wheeled Motorcycle from MoSA

BANYUMAS (13 February 2023) - Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini continues to strengthen the independence of persons with disabilities by providing Social Rehabilitation Assistance (ATENSI).  Ministry of Social Affairs through "Satria" Center Baturraden, Banyumas Regency, Central Java, gradually continues to distribute assistive devices that increase their mobility and productivity.

One of the beneficiaries is Tohir (61).  This person with a physical disability, comes from Ajibarang Kulon, Banyumas Regency, Central Java, and did not expect to receive ATENSI in the form of a three-wheeled motorcycle.

The assistance he received has motivated him to deliver the bamboo and wooden blocks he sells to buyers.  He has been in this business since 1995.

Tohir expressed his gratitude to Minister Risma and Member of Commission VIII of the House, Wastam, who had provided ATENSI assistance in the form of a three-wheeled motorcycle.  "I am grateful to the person who gave me this three-wheeled motorcycle. I feel very happy," said Tohir when met at his business stall in Ajibarang, Banyumas, Wednesday (8/2).

Since receiving this assistance, the father of three children admits that his work has greatly helped.  "Because, with the current fleet, it can load more cargo. I have received this assistance for three months. Because this three-wheeled motorcycle makes my load lighter. So, it adds to my enthusiasm. Thank God, I hope this three-wheeled motorcycle can be useful,"  he said.

Tohir, then, told how he lost both hands and rose from the calamity he experienced.  He said both hands had to be amputated as a result of a work accident he experienced in 1992.

Before the disaster befell him, this father of three was a bricklayer or construction worker.  When the accident happened, he thought he would die.

"I was electrocuted by an electric pole. When I was electrocuted, I said Innalillahi wa innailaihi roji'un. I thought I was going to die. After five seconds or five minutes, when I got up, I was still alive," said Tohir.

Having been pessimistic about his life, Tohir finally found a turning point in his life in 1995. He met his life's hero who gave him a job.

At that time, his sister's neighbor, who is a foreign citizen, asked him to find 1,300 sticks of bamboo.

"In 1993, I was pessimistic about how my life would be. 1995 was the year of my awakening. I was given a job looking for 1,300 bamboo sticks. I didn't say anything, I immediately said thank you. I was immediately given IDR 2 million in cash," explained Tohir.

Starting from that order, he started his business so he could send his children to school.  Initially, he only carried the bamboo when delivering orders to buyers.  Until now, he has received the help of a three-wheeled motorcycle.

"Before getting this assistance, I used a cart, the second used a tricycle cart, and the third used a modified three-wheeled motorcycle. Now, I was given a three-wheeled motorcycle," he said.

Meanwhile, Tohir's second child, Neni (35), admitted that he did not expect his father to receive the help of a three-wheeled motorcycle.  The reason is that, so far, Tohir has never received any social assistance.

"Not only was I surprised, but I didn't expect it. The first time, you asked for a photocopy of your Family Card and ID Card. I, at that time, was thinking that he was going to apply for a debt or something, but it turned out that he would be given a motorcycle. I asked, is that true? That's all," said Neni.

Neni admitted that before receiving ATENSI, her father had dreamed of having a baby elephant.  Turns out, it was a hunch.  Not long after dreaming of a calf, Tohir received the aid.

"Before he was given the motorcycle, my father had a dream. His dream was to get a calf. The calf is big, and it was difficult to carry it, so how do you carry it? Thank God, I got a three-wheeled motorcycle, it was amazing, I didn't expect it.  Without jot down in a list, without doing anything like that," explained Neni.

For Neni, her father was an extraordinary person.  When his wife died in 2012 due to breast cancer, his father kept his spirits up.

Neni admitted that when his children were down, it was Tohir who encouraged them.  "Father is always enthusiastic. We, as his children, are like what we were like at that time. But, father always tells his children to be enthusiastic. What makes us enthusiastic is precisely because our father is enthusiastic. So, we are also enthusiastic," concluded Neni.

Bureau of Public Relations

Ministry of Social Affairs