JOMBANG (28 January 2023) - Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini continues to strengthen the independence of persons with disabilities. Gradually, Ministry of Social Affairs continues to distribute tools that increase their mobility and productivity.

 "Persons with disabilities cannot depend on others forever, slowly they must be able to be independent," said the Minister during a working visit to Sengon Village, Jombang District, Jombang Regency, East Java, Saturday (28/1).

 One of the efforts made to encourage the independence of persons with disabilities is the use of assistive devices in everyday life.

 "We need more assistive devices because there are still many persons with disabilities who have not been touched by this assistance. It may seem that they are only wheelchairs, but the benefits are felt, especially in facilitating their activities," said Minister Risma.

 The assistance provided is adjusted to the needs of the beneficiaries based on the results of an assessment carried out by officers at Ministry of Social Affairs' technical implementation unit.

 "If those with hydrocephalus are given an ordinary wheelchair, it certainly won't solve the problem. Therefore, we provide adaptive wheelchairs so they can sit and leave the house so they don't just lie in bed," said the Minister.

 In addition to assistive devices, therapy practices also assist the mobility of persons with disabilities. Social Affairs Minister invited people with physical disabilities to take part in therapy at Prof. Dr. Soeharso Integrated Center Surakarta, one of the UPTs belonging to Ministry of Social Affairs.


 "At Soeharso Center, we have medical rehabilitation services and are used to dealing with paralysis. Many of them are in their 30s and were previously paralyzed but are now able to walk after several months of therapy. No need to worry about the costs because all of them will be paid by MoSA," said the Minister of Social Affairs.

 One of the beneficiaries invited by Social Affairs Minister Risma for therapy at Soeharso Center is Asyifa Xenofia Baktiar (7). The only daughter of the couple Eka Fitria (28) and Danis Baktiar (35) has been suffering from partial paralysis of her right hand and leg since she was 6 months old.

 "The therapy must be continuous later. While she is still young, she may still be able to recover," said the Minister.

 Eka, the mother of Asyifa, admitted that she would discuss with her husband regarding the Social Affairs Minister's invitation.

 "Previously we thanked Mrs. Risma for assisting with an electric wheelchair for Dek Asyifa, we are very happy and helped," said Eka.

 In this activity, Minister of Social Affairs Risma handed over ATENSI in the form of 56 units of assistive devices worth IDR 534,500,000 consisting of 35 units of Manual Wheelchairs, 17 units of Electric Wheelchairs, 1 unit of Adaptive Wheelchairs, and 3 units of Crutches.

 Also present were members of the House Sadarestu Wati, Secretary of the Inspectorate General Dody Sukmono, Acting Director of Social Rehabilitation for Persons with Disabilities (RSPD) Nursyamsu, Expert Staff to the Jombang Regent Murti Cahyani, Deputy Chairperson of Jombang DPRD Dony Anggun, and Head of Jombang Regency Social Office Hari Purnomo.

 Bureau of Public Relations
 Ministry of Social Affairs