MoSA Empowers an Elderly Scavengers Through Chicken Farming

KARAWANG (11 May 2023) - In the heart of Sukamaju Hamlet, Jatisari Village, Jatisari District, Karawang Regency, resides Emak Empat, an 80-year-old scavenger facing the daily challenges of earning a livelihood. Despite her age, Emak remains steadfast in her commitment to work, supported by her elderly daughter, Jenab, and Jenab's children.

Emak's uncertain income from scavenging used items prompted Social Affairs Minister Tri Rismaharini to intervene. In a bid to uplift this underprivileged family, a team from the Directorate of Social Rehabilitation for the Elderly and the Pangudi Luhur Integrated Center (STPL) implemented a transformative plan.

"At the direction of the Minister of Social Affairs (MoSA), we encouraged Emak Empat to avail the services at STPL. However, she hesitated, expressing her desire to stay close to her family," explained I Ketut Supena, Head of STPL in Jakarta (11/05).

According to the assessment result, this family struggles to earn enough money to meet its necessities. Jenab, at 63 years old, is considered elderly. Meanwhile, her eldest child, Sholihin, had dropped out of school. His younger sister, Fizah (14 years old), is still in junior high school. To help generate income, MoSA's team provided entrepreneurial assistance in raising 20 hens and constructing a chicken coop. Jenab is the intended recipient of this assistance.

MoSA also assisted Sholihin in continuing his studies. Lack of cash forced this 18-year-old young guy to drop out of high school. "MoSA registered Package C schools, helped finance his education, and provided school supplies so he could continue his high school education," Ketut said.

According to the assessment results, this family has lived in a house on the bank of the Citarum River for decades, and the property is classified as irrigated. The house currently contains two rooms. Emak Empat, her children, and granddaughter share one room, while her grandson has his own.

This house has adequate air circulation and a closed bathroom, but the base is still built of wood, the floor is earth, and the roof is tile with asbestos. "Emak Empat only picks up second-hand goods around the house because of her age and declining physical condition," he said.

Despite living in these conditions, the family had not received any prior social assistance. MoSA collaborated with Population and Civil Registration (Disdukcapil) officers to register their ID and Family Cards, ensuring eligibility for government programs through the Integrated Social Welfare Data (DTKS).

To help alleviate daily needs, MoSA’s team provided ATENSI assistance, encompassing essential items such as rice, cooking oil, sardines, corned beef, soy sauce, eggs, and nutritional items like fruit, honey, dates, chicken, biscuits, and wafers. The assistance also included clothes, a negligee, head scarves, underwear, and sandals.

Moreover, there were personal hygiene items including bath soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, laundry soap, dish soap, and shampoo; bedroom facilities include bed sheets and blankets.

The team escorted Emak Empat to the Karawang Regency Lung Hospital to ensure her good health. Her elevated blood pressure was measured at 150/90. Blood sugar and uric acid levels remain within normal ranges. Emak received medication and vitamins to support her recovery.