MoSA Encourages Serang Elderly to Stop Begging, Supports Duck Livestock

SERANG (4 March 2024) - Braim B. Arsidi (68) and Jasimah (65) have been struggling for four years to care for their child who has schizophrenia. While fixing chairs in their yard, Jasimah recounted her surprise when a Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) team brought various aids to their home.

"Alhamdulillah, suddenly they came to our house. They saw no mattress, so they bought one; they noticed the absence of pillows, so they bought some. They also brought a wardrobe, rice, kitchen utensils, and even school uniforms for our grandchildren. They also encouraged us to seek medical treatment," said Jasimah at her residence in Sujung Village, Tirtayasa District, Serang Regency.

Since the news of this elderly couple begging to meet their daily needs surfaced in online media, Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini directed teams to respond quickly.

MoSA promptly conducted assessments and assisted as needed. "This is a follow-up to the intervention. We have provided assistance based on the assessment results. The next step is addressing the son who has been diagnosed with a mental disorder," said Rinto Indratmoko, Head of the Galih Pakuan Bogor Center, a MoSA Technical Implementation Unit (UPT).

Braim, affectionately known as Ibrahim, is blind due to glaucoma and cataracts, and his hearing is impaired. In their semi-permanent 40 m² home made of soil and red bricks, this elderly couple lives with two children and two grandchildren. Their son, Jainudin (44), has been suffering from schizophrenia for four years since his divorce from his wife.

Their other son, Jainul Abidin (46), works odd jobs earning IDR 50,000 - IDR 100,000 per day. With this income, Jainul has to support his two children, one of whom is still in school.

Considering their situation, MoSA has provided Social Rehabilitation Assistance (ATENSI) in the form of hearing aids for Ibrahim, school supplies and bicycles for Ibrahim and Jasimah's grandchildren, groceries, nutrition, fruit packages, personal hygiene kits, worship equipment, and household supplies.

Entrepreneurial assistance was also provided in the form of 31 female ducks, a male duck, and duck farming equipment. Jainul Abidin manages this business assistance.

While providing business assistance, MoSA also persuaded and provided psychoeducation to the elderly couple to stop begging. This business assistance could serve as a source of daily family needs fulfillment for Ibrahim's family.

MoSA also took Ibrahim for eye screening at Ahmad Wardi Eye Hospital, provided health checks for Ibrahim and Jasimah at the Provincial Hospital of Banten, and provided elderly nutrition assistance for both of them.

MoSA will accompany Jainudin for 18 days of treatment at the Marzoeki Mahdi Psychiatric Hospital in Bogor, as well as give nutrition assistance to the disabled. "Hopefully, our son will come back home soon, healthy, so we can reunite," Jasimah added through tears.

Jainudin will be transferred to the Galih Pakuan Bogor Center for social rehabilitation following his psychiatric hospitalization. In addition, the center will continue to monitor the duck farming business run by Jainul Abidin.