Minister Risma Supports Garut Boys Caring for Their Mother with Mental Disabilities

GARUT (30 October 2023) - Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini visited Entis Sutisna (15), a teenager from Tarogong Kaler District, Garut Regency, who was willing to drop out of school to care for his mentally disabled mother. During the visit on Monday (30/10/2023), the Minister also distributed school supplies and grocery stalls.

Previously, it became viral on social media that Entis Sutisna (15) and his older brother Mahdar (25) cared for their mother, Siti Salamah (49) who suffered from mental disabilities. Meanwhile, their father passed away two years ago.

"I called the head of the hospital that treats people with mental problems. Mrs. Siti Salamah is currently being treated at Marzoeki Mahdi Psychiatric Hospital in Bogor," said Risma during the visit.

Risma also helped with house renovations and the Entis family's grocery store business. The Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) furnished the residence's furniture, including beds, wardrobes, kitchen utensils, and chairs, in addition to the renovations.

So far, Siti Salamah has relied on her first kid, Mahdar, who works as a vegetable porter, to provide for the family. Mahdar became the family's backbone when his father was absent.

He works four days a week at IDR 70,000 per day or IDR 280,000 per week. Occasionally some neighbors also assist Siti Salamah.

To increase his income, MoSA also offered Mahdar a job at the MoSA's Center in Bandung. "If the mother's condition is better, the older brother can come to work with us," said Risma.

In terms of education, MoSA encourages and advocates for Entis education through collaboration with SMPN 2 Tarogong Kaler. In addition, MoSA funded Entis with educational equipment. "Entis can also go back to school, this has been facilitated by the village head," Risma went on to say.

Mahdar thanked the Minister for this assistance. "Yes, that's right, I was invited to work with Mrs. Risma, but I'm waiting for Mom's health condition first," Mahdar remarked.

Furthermore, MoSA collaborated with local officials and residents to clean houses, paint them, and restore any damaged facilities. Apart from that, toilet facilities, septic tanks, and drilled wells for everyday use are being prepared.

Siti Salamah and her family formerly lived in a house without a toilet, so they had to shower, and did some cleaning activities in public toilets across the area. Moreover, her house is not habitable.