MOSA Prepares IDR 24 B Budget for Orphans Affected by Covid-19

The Ministry of Social Affairs encourages regional governments to accelerate the registration process for fatherless, motherless, and orphans so that they can be immediately provided with assistance.

JEMBER (29 August 2021) - Social Minister Tri Rismaharini promised to increase support and services for yatim (fatherless), piatu motherless), and yatim piatu (orphans) affected by Covid-19. This is to respond to relentless public complaints to Social Minister.

The Ministry of Social Affairs has allocated a budget of IDR 24 billion to help them. "We get a lot of complaints about yatim, piatu, and yatim piatu because their parents passed away due to Covid-19. We have been collecting the budget and currently IDR 24 billion has been collected,” said Social Minister Risma when handing over the Social Rehabilitation Assistance (ATENSI) at the Rambi Puji District Office, Jember Regency (29/08).

The distribution of ATENSI assistance was attended by members of Commission VIII DPR RI Umar Bashor, Director General of Social Rehabilitation, Director General of Poverty Handling, Director General of Social Protection and Security, Special Staff to the Minister, Regent of Jember, representatives of Himbara (State Banks Association) and representatives of PT. Pos Indonesia.

On this occasion, the Social Minister ensured that the state was present for yatim, piatu, and yatim piatu, either caused by Covid-19 or not. The Social Minister asked the regional government to ensure and accelerate the process of collecting the data and immediately submit it to the Ministry of Social Affairs. "We hope that by the end of this month the data will be collected. We can immediately provide assistance with the existing data,” said Social Minister Risma.

The Ministry of Social Affairs does not only provide support for orphans living with family, but also those who receive care at the Social Rehabilitation Center and at the Child Welfare Institution (LKSA). The Ministry of Social Affairs is also preparing social rehabilitation centers so that they can accommodate displaced yatim, piatu, and yatim piatu (whom under care of none).

During her visit to Jember, the Social Minister greeted and handed over assistance to yatim, piatu, and yatim piatu. A total of IDR 465 million Social Rehabilitation Assistance (ATENSI) was symbolically distributed at the Rambi Puji District Office for residents in Jember and Lumajang Regencies, East Java.

The Social Minister provided assistance to 22 yatim, piatu, and yatim piatu while a number of 165 people were given entrepreneurship assistance such as convection, laundry, electronic services, massage businesses, livestock, cake/food cooking ware (culinary business), fisheries, tire patches and handicrafts. Four people were given accessibility assistance such as adaptive canes, wheelchairs and Educational Game Equipment (APE) while a total of 112 people were given basic needs assistance in the form of basic necessities and life fulfillment.

A total of three yatim, piatu, and yatim piatu who were given ATENSI assistance were motivated by Social Minister Risma. "Don't be afraid, don't be diffident because the almighty God is with us. You are not alone. Everything in this world is just a deposit, including parents. So we must be ready when the time comes to meet the Almighty," said Social Minister Risma.

The Social Minister also advised them not to give up and to continue their studies in order to become successful in the future. Social Minister Risma also stated that she would be the mother of the three orphans, namely Adinda Rizkita Pranata, Jidan Ayesha Ihza Erino, and Stefanus Oktaviano. "Now Mrs. Risma is your mother. I will monitor you at school," said the Social Minister.

Another ATENSI assistance recipient, Yayu Indarwati, admitted that she wanted to expand her business. “Yes, I only have a manual sewing machine. I've got an overlock machine from the Ministry of Social Affairs, I'm happy and I hope to increase my income. I'm getting more excited," she said.

Husni Mubarok, one of the persons with visual disabilities receiving an adaptive cane, admitted that the adaptive cane is very effective and efficient for people with total blindness.

“This Adaptive Cane is very helpful. I feel more secure when I walk. I hope this stick help my orientation to be better and other friends with visual disabilities can get this smart stick,” said Husni.

ATENSI support is a collaboration of social rehabilitation centers belonging to the Ministry of Social Affairs, namely the Prof. Dr. Soeharso Center, Kartini Center, Satria Center, Antasena Center, Margo Laras Center, and Mahatmiya Center.