"Mulya Jaya" Center Prepares LDP to Handle PPKS Affected by COVID-19

JAKARTA (30 April 2020) – This morning, the Director General of Social Rehabilitation, Harry Hikmat, directly observed the condition of Social Welfare Service Recipients (PPKS) in Sports Arena (GOR) Ciracas, East Jakarta. The observation was carried out to see the conditions and needs of PPKS as well as to distribute medical equipment for the officers working at the area.

According to Harry, this temporary shelter is a form of special attention from the government to vulnerable groups affected by COVID-19 such as homeless people, street children, and beggars.

“We are aware that these neglected residents may have been on the streets before, as well as the residents who are affected by COVID-19 so that they have to be homeless and become beggars, some even exploited their children while living on the streets. We hope that they can fulfill their basic needs. These things must be given the necessary attention,” said Harry.

Harry then explained that the attention to vulnerable groups by providing temporary shelter has been discussed with each Social Service Departments in DKI Jakarta to provide social services according to their needs.

“It has been discussed with the DKI Jakarta Government that a policy is being prepared regarding the handling of neglected residents due to COVID-19 which is in line with the Ministry of Social Affairs, the local government is preparing temporary shelter that aims to temporarily accomodate including providing food, health services, and psychosocial support. This will be discussed intensively, what the sustainability will be like. Once again, what the local government has prepared is a temporary shelter, not like an orphanage that can stay long,” said Harry.

“Probably a few of them will be directed to nursing homes such as pregnant women. Their children are still toddlers, a place like this is not good for them, right? Therefore, the East Jakarta Social Service has collaborated with “Mulya Jaya” Watunas Center under the leadership of Mrs. Wena. 17 people have been directed to the Center. Currently there are 145 people here,” he added.

As a referral place, “Mulya Jaya” Center will prepare direct psychosocial support for PPKS at the Ciracas Sports Arena. The Head of the Center, Juena Sitepu, who was also present at today’s activity explained that psychosocial support services will be carried our by Social Workers.

“We will prepare psychosocial support services for PPKS at the Ciracas Sports Arena, sir. On Monday, we will dispatch Social Workers directly to provide assistance for physical and psychosocial activities,” explained Juena.

Currently, “Mulya Jaya” Center has accepted 17 people and 3 people have returned to their families. Through the synergy between the Ministry of Social Affairs, especially “Mulya Jaya” Center, it is hoped that it can provide comprehensive services and have a positive impact on PPKS.