Minister of Social Affairs Encourages Ega, a Teenager with Blood Cancer

JAKARTA (January 11, 2024) - Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini met with Ega Julio Prastyo (18), a teenager with blood cancer from Indramayu, West Java. The meeting took place at Sentra Mulya Jaya, Pasar Rebo, Jakarta, on Thursday (11/1).

"Don’t give up, stay strong!" said the Minister to Ega.  Like a mother, the Minister of Social Affairs comforted Ega not being sad for his health and recovery. The Social Affairs Minister even recommended Ega to routinely consume moringa leaves.

"You have to drink it. It's really good, especially vegetables," said the Minister. Ega has blood cancer and needs financial assistance for the removal of white blood cells which was initially not covered by health insurance.

The Minister then directed Sentra Phalamartha Sukabumi to carry out a case response and assist Ega's healing process. One of them is advocating for BPJS so that all treatment needs can be filled.

The Ministry of Social Affairs and kitabisa.com provided operational assistance to Ega and her family for accommodation at the hospital. From Indramayu, Ega has to go to a hospital in Cirebon to do chemotherapy and blood checks once a month.

Ega admitted that he was happy to get attention from the Minister of Social Affairs. Currently, his condition has improved. Initially, Ega could not move because of his weak condition. Currently, Ega can move, although he is not allowed to do strenuous activities.

"Happy, Alhamdulillah, many people help, many people care about Ega, thank you very much," said Ega.

Meanwhile, Ega received ATENSI assistance for IDR 13.1 million with details of basic food assistance, nutritional needs, personal hygiene, clothing, medical examination facilities, entrepreneurship for families, and money for daily operations. Meanwhile, kitabisa.com assistance has collected IDR 34 million.

Apart from Egi, the Minister of Social Affairs also presented a bicycle to a child with intestinal disorders Zoya (3). Zoya received ATENSI assistance worth IDR19.4 million with details of assistance in nutritional needs, personal hygiene, medicines, operational assistance, transportation, bicycles, educational game tools (APE), and entrepreneurship. The kitabisa.com donation collected for Zoya amounted to IDR 170.8 million.