Ministry of Social Affairs Strengthens Synergy in Handling Orphans Due to COVID-19

Writer :

Humas Dit. Rehsos Anak

Editor :

Intan Qonita N

Translator :

Karlina Irsalyana

JAKARTA (September 30, 2021) – Secretary of the Directorate General of Social Rehabilitation of the Ministry of Social Affairs, Idit Supriadi representing the Director General of Social Rehabilitation, attended the Press Conference to Unite and Move #TogetherforChildren (Bersatu dan Bergerak #BersamaUntukAnak) who lost parents due to Covid-19 which was held by SOS Children's Villages Indonesia virtually. This event is a continuation of a series of events to commemorate the 49th anniversary of SOS Children's Villages Indonesia which has been held since September 8, 2021.

Greg Hadi Nitihardjo, National Director of SOS Children's Villages Indonesia in his remarks said that his party had carried out a rapid assessment, an actual data collection program for children who have lost parental care due to Covid-19. "We need input from the Ministry of Social Affairs regarding this program to strengthen our steps in assisting children in Indonesia," he said.

The results of the rapid assessment carried out by SOS Children's Villages Indonesia in DIY and Semarang City which focused on aspects of care, nutrition and food, accommodation, health, and children's education noted that currently, 965 children have lost one or both parents due to Covid-19 in both regions. Findings in the field show that the most crucial problem experienced by children who have lost their parents due to Covid-19 is related to the transition of childcare. This is the concern of the Ministry of Social Affairs and various related parties to ensure that children remain in proper care.

Responding to the results of the rapid assessment, Idit expressed his appreciation to SOS Children's Villages Indonesia for their efforts to assist the government in dealing with the problem of orphans, fatherless and motherless due to Covid-19.

"The results of this rapid assessment can certainly be input for us in dealing with the problems of orphans who have lost their parents due to Covid-19. Currently, the Ministry of Social Affairs has also made various efforts to deal with this, including collecting data on orphans due to Covid-19, distributing aid in several areas, psychosocial assistance, and coordinating with local governments and various related parties which are still ongoing until now," he said.

Based on data obtained by the Ministry of Social Affairs as of September 29, 2021, it is known that 37,951 children have become orphans due to Covid-19. After cleansing the data, there were 30,766 children. Of this total, 1,079 children have been distributed with Social Rehabilitation Assistance (ATENSI) support with total assistance of Rp 383,800,000 and the rest are still in the process of data verification and validation by the Social Rehabilitation Center.

"In 2022, we propose that as many as 4.3 million orphans can receive ATENSI support, with details for each child who is not yet in school getting Rp. 300,000 per month and children already in school getting Rp. 200,000 per month. In addition to assistance, psychosocial assistance for orphans is no less important because we know that children who have lost their parents due to Covid-19 have received a very heavy blow in their lives which will affect children's mental health," explained Idit.

"We hope that our synergy will be even better in the future," he added.

Another speaker, A'ak Abdullah Alkudus from Kawal Masa Depan (KMD) said that his party had also distributed cash assistance, scholarships, and legal aid for orphans, especially those who lost their parents due to Covid-19. "Legal assistance is also needed because several cases found in the field show that many orphans have lost their parents and their property has been confiscated by others," concluded A'ak.

“Children have the same right to live and be happy, and that is the responsibility of all of us. Therefore, it is important for us to continue to synergize and support each other,” he said.

This press conference was also attended by public figures who are involved in the efforts to care for children who have lost their parents due to Covid-19. Indra Brasco and Mona Ratuliu, the two married couples, revealed that this situation is very relevant to what they are currently facing, where they are currently taking care of a nephew who lost his mother due to Covid-19.

"We appreciate the efforts that have been made by the Ministry of Social Affairs and SOS Children's Villages Indonesia and will help convey this good news to the community," said Indra.

“We support what has been done. Hopefully, our support can perfect what has been done so far," said Mona.

At the end of the event, the National Director of SOS Children's Villages Indonesia expressed their commitment to helping the government ensure that every child who has lost a parent due to Covid-19 continues to receive good care.

2021-10-03
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