Living Alone in An Old House, MoSA Responds to Man Gendoh's Needs

WEST BANGKA (17 January 2022) - The Ministry of Social Affairs responded quickly to information about a 63-year-old grandfather who lived alone and his case went viral on one of the online media, www.wowbabel.com.

The Minister of Social Affairs, Tri Rismaharini, specifically gave directions for conducting a needs assessment for Man Gendoh, his grandfather's nickname. Following up on this directive, Social Rehabilitation Center “Melati” Jakarta collaborated with the West Bangka Regency Social Office to carry out a needs assessment for Man Gendoh.

Man Gendoh, whose real name is Poniman, lives in Gang Asoka, Sungai Daeng Village, Muntok District, West Bangka Regency, Bangka Belitung Islands. The house he lives in today is the legacy of his grandmother named Gendoh.

No family left. Both of Man Gendoh's parents and grandmother passed away long ago. His wife and children are also gone. Only Man Gendoh alone spent his old age in a house that was much older than him. The wood that supports the roof of his house is almost rotted, while wild plants cover the yard of Man Gendoh's house.

Man Gendoh is considered to have mental retardation by residents. Not many people interact with him. But luckily, there were always people who cared about him. Although they do not regularly communicate with Man Gendoh, residents take turns providing for Man Gendoh's needs.

Several years ago, Man Gendoh had an accident that left him unable to walk. The Regional Government provides wheelchair assistance as accessibility support for Man Gendoh as well as social assistance worth Rp. 150,000 per month. Even though his body is not perfect anymore and he is old, there is never a complaint from his mouth. He believes that God still loves him by giving him life.

Based on the results of the needs assessment, the Head of the Jakarta Melati Center, Romal Uli Jaya Sinaga, gave directions for the distribution of Social Rehabilitation Assistance (ATENSI) support in the component of meeting basic needs to reduce the crisis faced by Man Gendoh.

“Melati Center handed over assistance to fulfill nutrition for the elderly. Furthermore, we coordinated with the Dukcapil Office of West Bangka Regency to reprint the lost Family Card and ID Card. BPJS Card for Man Gendoh process will soon be completed and we have attempted a complete health check for Man Gendoh in collaboration with the West Bangka Health Office," said Romal.