MoSA Recognizes Madrasah Student for Caring for Three Toddler Siblings

PALEMBANG (23 April 2024) - M. Rizky Aditya (11), a fifth-grade student at Madrasah Ibtidaiyah, found a glimmer of hope. A resident of Tangga Takat Village, Seberang Ulu Dua District, Palembang City, he was overjoyed to meet with the Ministry of Social Affairs team from Sentra Budi Perkasa in Palembang.

The Ministry of Social Affairs recognized and assisted Rizky for his efforts in supporting and caring for his three toddler siblings, Aysilla Daniah Hanum (5), Muhammad Dani Saddam (3), and Muhammad Khalfi (2). The teenager, affectionately called Iky, has been responsible for his siblings since his mother passed away in January 2024 due to liver and heart disease, which she had been suffering from since 2022. Meanwhile, his father, M. Ferdi Kradani (31), lives separately from Iky and his siblings.

Following his mother's death, Iky and his three toddler siblings lived with their grandmother, Sa'adah. They rented a small house in a narrow alley in Tangga Takat Village, Seberang Ulu Dua District, Palembang City, with very limited facilities.

To meet their daily needs, Saádah makes sweet potato chips, cireng (fritters made from tapioca flour) and potato sticks. Iky would then sell these snacks after school. "I usually sell them from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m. after school," said Iky. He sold them around the streets and alleys near the PGRI University in Plaju, Palembang.

Despite facing various limitations, the spirit and perseverance of Iky and his family are commendable. As the eldest child, Iky not only cares for his siblings with love but also earns a living to meet their daily needs and school expenses.

Moreover, Sa'adah, as the backbone of the family's economy, runs a chip-making business with enthusiasm to support her four grandchildren. She never complains. Everything is done with sincerity.

Upon learning of their situation, MoSA through Sentra Budi Perkasa in Palembang facilitated the reunion of Iky and his father Ferdi, who had long been separated. Ferdi has previously worked odd jobs in Palembang, including as a parking attendant. Sometimes he got tasks to guard parking every other day, sometimes he didn't get any because it all depended on the parking area owner. Ferdi had to pay the area owner IDR 80,000 per day for this parking duty, therefore his net revenue was between IDR 100,000 and IDR 120,000 per shift.

Knowing this situation, MoSA provided entrepreneurial assistance to Ferdi for selling grilled meatballs and chips. Ferdi had a desire to work, so as preparation, he learned welding at Sentra Budi Perkasa in Palembang.

Not only did Ferdi receive entrepreneurial aid, but so did Sa'adah, who obtained additional equipment for processed food production as well as materials for making sweet potato chips and cireng to increase her income. "Alhamdulillah, Kemensos has helped us, hopefully, the businesses we run will go smoothly," said Sa'adah.

MoSA also gave Iky and his siblings with Social Rehabilitation Assistance (ATENSI) in the form of decent living items such as nourishment packages, bedding, and diapers for his sibling, as well as rent and clean water payments from February to December 2024 amounting to IDR 5,500,000. MoSA also gave two folding bicycles for Sa'adah's ninth and tenth children.

In addition, MoSA helped Iky's siblings, Muhammad Dani Saddam (3) and Muhammad Khalfi (2), get birth certificates and Child Identity Cards.

Subsequently, MoSA, along with social workers, provided assistance and monitored the development of Iky and his family's situation, as well as monitored the entrepreneurship of Ferdy and Sa'adah.