Stocks-Free Campaign and Abolishing Discrimination, Minister of Social Affairs: Persons with Intellectual Disabilities Can Recover

BEKASI (October 6^th, 2022) - Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini said that it is important to carry out a Stocks-Free campaign and abolish discrimination against persons with intellectual disabilities. She stated this at the Commemoration of World Mental Health Day (HKJS) held by Ministry of Social Affairs at Pangudi Luhur Integrated Center in Bekasi on Thursday (October 6^th).

"There are still many people who suffer from mental disorders and are put in stocks. This won’t improve their condition. It worsens the condition because it will cause other health problems. Through this event, we want to explain that this condition can be cured," Minister Risma said.

Apart from that, mental health problem is one of the public health problems that tend to increase every year, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic.

HKJS, which falls on October 10^th, aims to increase people around the world’s understanding and awareness about mental health issues, challenges, and solutions to handle them.

Issues about persons with intellectual/psychosocial disabilities also include stigmatization, neglect, stocks, medical and social rehabilitation, drug availability, accessibility, and the role of local government.

"This HKJS seminar is held to provide an understanding of mental health issues. They (persons with intellectual/psychosocial disabilities) can work under a doctor/psychiatrist’s recommendation," Minister Risma said.

On HKJS Commemoration, Ministry of Social Affairs through four Integrated Centers and 27 Centers has assisted 2,032 people worth IDR 1.85 billion to people with intellectual/psychosocial disabilities.

The details of the services provided were for 56 stocks victims, identity records for 420 people, vaccination for 402 people, health checks for 748 people, and reunification (reuniting with family) for 431 people.

During the event, Minister of Social Affairs also greets and communicates with families and persons with intellectual/psychosocial disabilities (ODGJ and family companions). Symbolically, Minister Risma also distributes ATENSI  to 15 persons with mental/psychosocial disabilities attending the commemoration.

In a dialogue with one of the kids with intellectual/psychosocial disabilities, named Marsya Greflin Mariani Kapia, at "Tumou Tou" Center in Manado, it is revealed that those who recovered could still express their desire to return to school.

"Honey, what do you want? What do you want?" Minister of Social Affairs asked Marsya through a virtual meeting.

"I want to go to school, Mam," Marysa answered firmly. At that time, Minister Risma asked the Head of "Tumou Tou" Center in Manado to fulfill Marsya's wish.

Furthermore, identity tracing/data recording is also carried out on 15 persons with intellectual/psychosocial disabilities and reunification of intellectual/psychosocial disabilities who have received social rehabilitation services so that the identities of themselves and their families are known.

Minister Risma advised families and community that if there are persons with disabilities, such as persons with intellectual disorders (ODGJ), immediately report them to the regional government, or integrated centers/centers under the Ministry of Social Affairs.

"Please communicate with the regional government or to our Centers and Training Center. You can also call Ministry of Social Affairs’ Command Center at 171. We will handle it, we will pick you up," Minister of Social Affairs Risma said in front of the media.

Director General of Social Rehabilitation Pepen Nazaruddin and Director General of Social Empowerment Edi Suharto, Echelon II officials within the Ministry of Social Affairs, Bekasi City Government officials, Ministry of Manpower officials, Psychiatrists and Indonesian Schizophrenia Care Community (KPSI) are also presented at the event.