First Lady Iriana Jokowi Delivers 3 Messages for Indonesian Children

JAKARTA (February 17, 2020) - For about 2.5 hours, First Lady Hj. Iriana Joko Widodo spent time having fun with children at the Rehabilitation Center for Children Requiring Special Protection (BRSAMPK) "Handayani". There are three messages from the First Lady to the children.

Around 500 children who need special protection expressed their joy by dancing and singing. Accompanied by Ibu Wury Ma'ruf Amin and official companions who are members of OASE-KIM (Organization of Solidarity Action Era of the Advanced Indonesia Cabinet), the First Lady encouraged the children to remain optimistic about the future.

"My message to the children is to keep studying hard, don't forget to pray and exercise," said the First Lady, during an activity with the children titled "Temu Sapa", at the BRSAMPK "Handayani" complex, Bambu Apus, East Jakarta, Monday (17/02/2020).

To the media, Dharma Wanita Persatuan Advisor of the Ministry of Social Affairs Grace Batubara stated that the presence of First Lady Joko Widodo and Mrs. Wury Ma'ruf Amin was a form of love and support for the development and social protection of Indonesian children.

As is known, sometime earlier, the media reported various cases of child abuse. "This is a form of support and love from the First Lady and Mrs. Wury, so that children do not lose their joy and so that they continue to be enthusiastic," said Grace Batubara.

 Grace also said, cases such as bullying, child trafficking, and various other forms of violence against children, still occur in various parts of the country "With her presence, we hope that children can rise in spirit, can gain confidence, and can return to the midst of society," Grace said.

 In her remarks in front of the children, Dharma Wanita Persatuan Advisor of the Ministry of Social Affairs Grace Batubara stated that the children should remain enthusiastic.

Grace also motivated the children not to hesitate to achieve their goals. Quoting President Soekarno's advice, Grace asked the children to chase their dreams as high as the sky.  

"Hang your dreams as high as the sky. If you fall, you will fall among the stars," Grace said.

The children who attended the "Temu Sapa" event seemed to be all cheerful together in a series of exciting and fun events, the event began with greetings from Mrs. Iriana Joko Widodo, Mrs. Hj. Wury Ma'ruf Amin, OASE-KIM and Social Affairs Minister’s wife Grace Batubara.

The children were then given the opportunity to write their wishes and hopes on canvas while watching a video of the outpouring of hopes of Indonesian children hosted by the Chairperson of the Child Protection Commission Arist Merdeka Sirait.  One of the profound messages sent in the video from EES in Dompu NTB said that, "behind the limitations that I have, there are advantages that I have".

The First Lady continued the program by continuing to greet and delight. Child psychologist Seto Mukyadi taught various motivations to keep all Indonesian children excited to pursue their dreams.

The moral messages obtained from the entire series of events today reinforce to all of us that children have 4 Basic Rights including: Right to Life, Right to Growth and Development, Right to Protection and Right to Participation.

The children's enthusiasm for the event was further enlivened by the presence of two little singers Evelyn who performed the song "Kasih Ibu" and Kiara Handoko with the song "Indonesia Pusaka .

BRSAMPK "Handayani" has complete facilities. Among them are the Child Social Protection House (TPSA) office, Talent Interest Building, SLB-E school, polyclinic, welding skills building, refrigeration skills building, screen printing skills building, automotive skills building, hall, dormitory, mosque, psychosocial therapy laboratory, children's dormitory dealing with the law, safe house and intermediate house.

With these complete facilities, the 2019 realization data shows that 1,406 children received rehabilitation services. A total of 529 children were given targeted assistance of IDR 1 million/child, 25 children received case response, 571 PPKS in the center, 101 children received crisis intervention, and 180 students received school care services.

Public Relations Bureau

Ministry of Social Affairs