Hamdani Starts Business with MoSA Aid

BANJARBARU (17 February 2024) –  Hamdani (54) is no longer depressed. His expression brightened. A faint smile appeared on his face. He is optimistic that his life will be better after being assisted by the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) with business capital.

"I will try selling clothes," said Hamdani optimistically. Hamdani is a resident of Banjarbaru City, South Kalimantan.

Hamdani's life was in decline when his loving wife passed away. Hamdani has five children from his 27-year marriage, two of them are still young: Salwa (6) and Salma (4).

Initially, Hamdani worked as a diamond panner. He had to spend hours soaking and standing in the river, periodically bending over to pan for diamonds. For years, he worked as a diamond panner, but his physical state and health rendered it difficult.

To meet his daily needs, Hamdani is assisted by his three adult children. Despite its small size, it is sufficient for a meal.

Meanwhile, to take care of housework, such as cooking and washing, Hamdani is assisted by Nispahani (26), his second daughter who is married and lives nearby with her husband and children.

HHamdani also complained of waist pain from his prior work as a laborer delivering tree seedlings. He also finds it difficult to converse because he cannot recall his past conditions.

"My father does not socialize much with his neighbors. He only spends his days at home now that my mother has passed away," Nispahani explained.

MoSA did a needs assessment on Hamdani and his family. Aside from that, MoSA will offer psychological and psychosocial help to Hamdani and his children.

Aside from that, Social Rehabilitation Assistance (ATENSI) is supplied in the form of basic necessities, personal hygiene products, and domestic equipment. MoSA, through the Directorate of Empowerment of Remote Indigenous Community and Social Entrepreneurship, also provided Hamdani with Nusantara Economic Hero (PENA) entrepreneurship assistance, which will be used for businesses selling clothes around and online.

MoSA also requested that Salwa and Salma be enrolled in the ATENSI for Orphans program through the social office, as well as advocate with the Banjarbaru City Education Office on Elementary School Development. Salwa is attempting to enroll in the Indonesia Smart Card (KIP) program, which will allow her to join elementary school in 2025.

MoSA will continue to give guidance and supervision to ensure that Hamdani's business runs successfully. Furthermore, efforts are being taken to guarantee that various MoSA programs benefit Hamdani and his children.