BATANGHARI (August 21, 2024) - Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini focuses on fulfilling children's rights, one of which is children in Suku Anak Dalam (SAD). In addition to fulfilling basic needs and nutrition, the Ministry of Social Affairs also fulfills educational support needs for Suku Anak Dalam (SAD) children, such as stationery, knowledge books, and other school equipment.

 

During her visit to Harjan Village, Batin XXIV District, Batanghari Regency, Jambi Province, Minister Risma learned that a volunteer had been teaching the children without being paid for the past two years. Minister Risma immediately expressed her gratitude to Meri who taught selflessly.

 

"Is it true that you have been teaching children without being paid at all? Thank you very much, Ma'am. Thank you," said Risma with emotion.

 

Meri Hariastuti (45) is the daughter of Waris Suku Anak Dalam in Harjan Village.  Since she was a child, Meri's habit was to follow her father around Suku Anak Dalam groups. This activity fostered Meri's love for Suku Anak Dalam. When Meri's older brother became Waris replacing her father, Meri also showed her concern for the children of Suku Anak Dalam through education. Not only teaching reading, writing, and arithmetic, Meri also taught skills such as gymnastics and dancing. "This is my heart’s calling," said Meri sincerely.

 

Not only teaching for free, but Meri even also often digs into her own pocket to buy the children snacks so that they are more enthusiastic about learning. With the capital of stationery given by a relative who works at another school, Meri teaches the children to read, write, and count in the middle of the open air without tables or chairs. Sometimes, she and the children sit on mats, sometimes on grass.

 

Like a match made in heaven, Meri's sincerity in teaching is also felt by the children of Suku Anak Dalam. Even when the children are taken to melangun (migrate) by their parents, they often miss studying with Meri. She often visits them at the new location where they are melangun.  Currently, Meri teaches 3 days a week, sometimes every day of the week. She usually spends two hours teaching reading, writing, and arithmetic once, and longer if Meri teaches gymnastics or dancing.

 

Currently, Meri focuses on ensuring that the children in Suku Anak Dalam can read, write, and count. She was pessimistic about her limitations in teaching and the condition of the SAD children who were often taken to migrate, making the children not have the opportunity to develop like children in general. But the arrival of Social Affairs Minister Risma gave rise to new hope in Meri's heart. "Previously, I didn't dare hope that the children could be like others, but after the Minister came, I am on cloud nine. There is attention from the government for us," said Meri.