“Mulya Jaya” Center is Ready to Become a Temporary Shelter for PPKS Affected by COVID-19

JAKARTA (April 29, 2020) - Quick response efforts to handle COVID-19 especially for the Social Welfare Services Recipient (PPKS) in Jabodetabek area, the Ministry of Social Affairs through Mulya Jaya Center in Jakarta directly visited the location of the temporary shelter at Ciracas Sports Center (GOR). The observation conducted by the team from Mulya Jaya Center aims to coordinate the distribution of social services to PPKS.

Head of the East Jakarta Social Services, Purwono, at GOR hall, said that the efforts made by the local government were a direct response to the spread of COVID-19.

“This is done to minimize the spread of COVID-19 and to protect PPKS from the risk of the virus. They will be given temporary basic necessities until their families pick them up. No matter how good rehabilitation is, it is better to return to their own families,” said Purwono.

According to the instruction of the Director General of Social Rehabilitation, Harry Hikmat at the Discussion Meeting regarding the the impact of COVID-19, Mulya Jaya Center will participate in handling PPKS in DKI Jakarta and the surrounding areas, including social rehabilitation services. Head of Mulya Jaya Center, Juena Sitepu and team stated that Mulya Jaya Center will be used as a temporary shelter for PPKS, especially for women. 

“Our hall is ready to help in handling abandoned PPKS in Jakarta and the surrounding areas for the next three months. We will also collect data on PPKS and the basic necessities that are currently needed in shelters,” said Juena.

Since being used as a temporary shelter last Monday, April 27th, the Sports Center (GOR) has accommodated 81 PPKS consisting of homeless people, beggars, and street children in the East Jakarta area. Previously, there were 39 people who had been picked up by their families.

 While PPKS is in the shelter, data collection and fulfillment of basic necessities are carried out such as giving food and healthcare needs. If the PPKS has a family, they are allowed to be picked up to their homes. On the other hand, those who do not have a family will temporarily be placed in an institution or government-owned hall.