"Pangurangi" Training Center Receive Referral Beneficiaries of Gaya Celebes Makassar Foundation

TAKALAR (April 8, 2021) - The Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs through the "Pangurangi" Center Takalar received a referral for People with HIV (ODHIV) from the Gaya Celebes Foundation (YGC) Makassar City. PLHIV who are then called beneficiaries will receive social services according to the results of the assessment.

The Takalar "Pangurangi" Center Team conducted an initial assessment to a comprehensive assessment and medical examination by nurses and doctors. "Currently the Center has received referrals from the HIV Social Service Agencies (LKS) or institutions working in the field of handling PLHIV and related services," said the Head of the Pangurangi Center, Pengalamen Surbakti.

Surbakti added that the Social Rehabilitation Assistance (ATENSI) program has three approaches, namely family-based, community-based, and residential. "If the service is provided at the Loka, it means using a residential approach. The family approach means that the service is provided in the beneficiary's family, whereas if the community approach, the service is provided in the community in cooperation with the LKS. This approach is determined based on the results of the assessment," he continued.

YGC Counselor Amma who also referred and assisted said that the beneficiaries who were referred to the "Pangurangi" Center represented four communities, namely the transgender community, Homosexuals, injecting needle users, and housewives.

Furthermore, Amma said that after receiving the service process at the Pangurangi Center and returning to their place of origin, friends can provide testimonials or opinions about the social rehabilitation services provided by the Ministry of Social Affairs.

Amma further said that for them, PLHIV has the same opportunity to be empowered. This is also an effort to eliminate the stigma in society about PLHIV and prevent discrimination.

Moreover, in the near future, the Pangurangi Center in Takalar will develop an ATENSI Creation Center (SKA) which will become a forum for empowering beneficiaries. SKA consists of culinary centers, agro-tourism centers, and innovation handicraft production centers from beneficiaries.