MoSA Reunification "O", Child Victim of Violence After Receiving ATENSI Service at “Melati” Center Jakarta

SUKABUMI (14 January 2022) – The Ministry of Social Affairs through Social Rehabilitation Center “Melati” Jakarta conducted reunification or efforts to reunite “O”, a 13-year-old boy who experienced acts of physical violence from adults in his neighborhood in Sinarbakti Village, Buniasih Village, Tegal District Buleud, Sukabumi Regency, West Java.

"O" got the attention of the Minister of Social Affairs, Tri Rismaharini after his case went viral in the mass media. Social Minister Risma immediately visited “O” at his residence on Friday (12/3/2021) and recommended that “O” receives Social Rehabilitation Assistance (ATENSI) services at Melati Center Jakarta accompanied by his grandfather.

Following up on the direction of the Minister of Social Affairs, the Head of the Jakarta Melati Center, Romal Uli Jaya Sinaga, directly led the pick-up of "O" and his grandfather on Sunday (12/5/2021) for further transportation to Melati Center. Romal stated that the residential ATENSI service was provided to restore psychological trauma due to physical violence experienced by “O” and optimize his growth and development.

“Residential ATENSI service for “O” is carried out to optimize his ability to communicate. We have carried out an assessment and “O” requires care and education to internalize positive values, because so far the practice of parenting has only been carried out by his grandfather”, said Romal.

For 40 days, “O” received treatment from social workers, social educators, psychologists, psychiatrists, consultant doctors, nurses, and also speech therapists. If initially "O" did not respond when asked to communicate, now "O" gives a positive response and opens himself to communicate even in Sundanese.

The development of "O" was also felt by the grandfather who accompanied him. However, the grandfather missed his hometown. The grandfather repeatedly expressed his desire to return to Sukabumi. Considering his grandfather's health and his desire to return home soon, the Head of Melati Jakarta agreed to the proposal for the reunification of “O” and his grandfather.

"We ensure that we will continue to collaborate with partners in the region. The upbringing and care of “O” and his grandfather is a shared responsibility. Families will be given the education to optimize their role in nurturing “O”, said Romal.

The Head of the Tegal Buleud Sub-district, Antono, expressed his appreciation for the Ministry of Social Affairs’ fast movement in providing services to its citizens who experienced acts of violence and viral cases.