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Meeting Orphans in Sinjai, Social Affairs Minister Invites Them to Makassar

Meeting Orphans in Sinjai, Social Affairs Minister Invites Them to Makassar
Writer :
Dian Catur Prasetyaningtyas Kurniawati
Translator :
Fia Arista Dewi

SINJAI (April 2, 2024) - Knowing the story of five orphaned siblings who live in poor conditions, the Minister of Social Affairs immediately met them in Gunung Perak Village, West Sinjai District, Sinjai Regency, Monday (1/4). The location is about 200 kilometers from Makassar City.  Inside the wooden-walled and zinc-roofed house they lived in, the Minister of Social Affairs had a dialogue with the five siblings and invited them to Makassar so they could live better. 

“Do you want to come with me to Makassar? The sister (Nadia) works at my place. Later, the younger siblings will move to school, okay? There are many friends there, you can learn anything,” said the Minister touched by their condition. 

The five orphaned siblings live with their vulnerable grandmother. Their first sister, Nadia (20) migrated to Makassar as a shopkeeper, while their mother currently works in Kalimantan and has a new family. Nadia and their mother often send money from their work. However, sometimes the money they send is not enough because Nadia's work is uncertain. 

Initially, Nadia and her siblings were hesitant to hear Risma's offer. But the Minister continued to encourage the children so that they could succeed later. 

“When I was your age, I lived with many orphans. Now, some of them are doctors, heads of public works offices, heads of religious offices. So, they can. No one can't. Let’s do it, we must be optimist,” said the Minister persuading Nadia's siblings to be willing to go to school in Makassar. 

Rika, the second child, shed tears of emotion when the Minister encouraged her and convinced her that she could succeed too. 

Not only Nadia and her four siblings, the Minister also met Ardi (23) and Rezky (13). These siblings live alone in Saotengah Village, Central Sinjai District, Sinjai Regency after their mother died 6 years ago and their father died 4 months ago. In order to meet them, the Minister of Social Affairs took a steep gravel road for 2 kilometers. 

Meeting the orphaned siblings in their house which only has dirt, walls, and a tin roof, the Minister of Social Affairs also persuaded Ardi to work at the Ministry of Social Affairs center in Makassar and will cover his living expenses. The Minister hoped that Ardi would be willing to work, so that later he can renovate their house with his salary. 

However, the Minister's persuasion was not immediately accepted by Ardi. The man who work as a grain transportation labourer is afraid that he will live far from his sister. The Social Affairs Minister also assured that both of them would be taken to Makkasar, especially Rezky who had never experienced formal schooling. 

Rezky was initially afraid and hesitant to accept Risma's offer. With the help of the village, Rezky finally agreed to participate in Makassar as well. 
Hearing Rezky's agreement, the Minister finally smiled with relief.

“I can't sleep if they still live here, I think,” said the Minister sincerely.
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