Ministry of Social Affairs Saves Two Siblings, Survivors of Sexual Crimes and Abandonment
BATANGHARI (April 13, 2021) - The Ministry of Social
Affairs, through the Alyatama Children's Center, deployed a case response team
to save two siblings who were survivors of sexual crimes and neglected
biological mothers in Mestong Village, Batanghari Regency, Jambi Province.
Following the direction of the Minister of Social Affairs, that each Technical Implementation
Unit (UPT) of the Ministry of Social Affairs is obliged to respond quickly to
social problems in the work area. The Alyatama Children's Center took a quick
step by sending Social Workers to assess children's problems and needs.
Melati and Mawar (not
their real names) are siblings, currently 13 and 5 years old. Melati is a
survivor of a sexual crime committed by her 70-year-old father's spiritual
teacher. The act was carried out at Melati's house and witnessed by Mawar. The
sexual crime committed by the spiritual teacher resulted in Melati being pregnant
for 6 months. The spiritual teacher Melati was successfully arrested by the
Batanghari Police and was put in jail.
"I hope the perpetrator can be punished following the actions that have been done
to Melati," said Melati's father.
When met at her house,
Melati admitted that she was confused about the condition of her pregnancy when
she was still a teenager. Gloom is clearly visible from the look on Melati's
face. The teenager wearing the black striped shirt seems to be able to answer
questions from the Social Worker.
Based on the results of
the assessment conducted by Social Workers, Melati and Mawar had long since
been left by their biological mother. Information obtained from the family, the
biological mother is in Purworejo, Central Java. Melati and Mawar live with
their biological father, who is currently suffering from bladder disease.
Melati's father's illness made it difficult for him to work with heavy loads.
To cover their daily needs, Melati helps her father to work by
entrusting Mawar to a neighbor.
"Missing you mom, I
want you to come back here again," said Mawar softly with a sad face.