Minister of Social Affairs Saves a Small Family in Situbondo from Destruction

Minister of Social Affairs Saves a Small Family in Situbondo from Destruction
Writer :
Indah Octavia Putri
Translator :
Alif Mufida Ulya

SITUBONDO (April 1st, 2024) – Carrying out fasting in the month of Ramadhan was not an obstacle for Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini to save a small family which was on the verge of destruction in Patokan Village, Situbondo District, Situbondo Regency, Sunday (31/3).

The Minister was very enthusiastic about leaving Surabaya for Situbondo. Upon arrival at the location, the Minister still had to walk down the street under the scorching hot sun, stepping into a narrow alley to get to a very simple house in Patokan Village, Situbondo.

Residents were shocked by the arrival of the Minister. They did not expect that a viral incident on social media of a father abusing his toddler child would be able to bring the Minister to come and save the family.

Seeing the presence of the Minister, the Head of RT 01 RW 03, Patokan Village, Atmawiyanto was quite surprised. "Yes, I was surprised, surprised and mixed with emotion. How could a Minister visit? Moreover, this is in the month of Ramadhan, it will be blessed. Thank you for coming here," he said.

Atmawiyanto hoped that by the presence of the Minister, there would be no other "Sandy" or similar incidents occurring in the future in the community.

When she entered the house whose walls were made of planks, the Minister’s heart was broken when those two children welcomed her cheerfully. They were 2 years and 9 months old. These two children became the target of their father's anger when he had an argument with his wife who worked as an Indonesian Migrant Worker (PMI) in Singapore.

"What's your name? Come on, come and play! It's fun, there are lots of toys," said the Minister, greeting them.

The Minister didn't want to mince words. Meeting the child abuser named Sandy, the Minister immediately reprimanded him and asked him not to repeat it. Even though this case has been resolved amicably, the Minister asked for guarantees from the perpetrator not to be abusive to his two children again.

"I know this has been resolved, but I want you to promise not to repeat it. I will help you get a job and take your wife home," said the Minister.

It didn't take long for the Minister to contact the Indonesian Embassy in Singapore and the agent who placed the mother of two children to work there. Even the Minister Risma was immediately connected to Siti, the mother of the two children.

"I want you to go home. Even though you earn a lot of money there, your family, your children need your attention. You don't need to think about compensation for breaking the contract, I will resolve it," said the Minister.

Siti agreed to the Minister’s wishes. However, the Minister caught Siti's uncertainty about returning home. The Minister assured again via telephone about their future.

"I have asked him (Sandy) to take part in training and work at the Ministry of Social Affairs' Center in Bali. Don't worry, later the children will also be brought along so that you can work together while supervising them," continued the Minister.

The Minister's answer confirmed Siti's determination to go home and be with her family.

"These are the children, don't you miss them? Come here, son! This is your mother. Come, say hello, son!" said the Minister while calling Sandy and Siti's two-year-old children.

At the end of the meeting, the Minister felt relieved because her efforts to save this small family had shown results.

Public Relations Bureau
Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs

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