Previously, “A, Kasian A..”, Now “A Cracker A..”

BOGOR (31 January 2024) – Baldiah (55), the famous beggar on social media with her saying “A kasian A”, meaning please help me, has ventured into small business of cassava crackers. She obtained business funding from Ministry of Social Affairs. Baldiah got the business capital, and her husband Ropik (46) received laying chicken farming.

Baldiah’s father, Abah Sanip (77) mentioned that Baldiah needs a job to improve her family’s economic situation and to support her son’s education. At that time Baldiah was forced to beg because economic needs pressed him. Her husband, who is deaf, also struggled to find employment. “After getting assistance from MoSA, now Baldiah is no longer a beggar,” said Abah Sanip shared during a meeting with a Social Worker at his home in Ciasihan Village, Pamijahan District, Bogor Regency. Sanip was grateful for the entrepreneurial support provided by MoSA that was distributed by Galih Pakuan Centre in Bogor.

Galih Pakuan Centre ensured to take Baldiah and her family for medical and psychological checkups before providing entrepreneurial assistance. The result showed Baldiah needed regular counselling sessions. “Next, we will accompany Baldiah in her counseling. There will be 4 sessions until this February,” said Head of Galih Pakuan Centre, Rinto Indratmoko, on Monday (30/1).

Regular counseling aimed to sustain Baldiah's behavioral change and eliminate her scrounging habits. Despite having cognitive challenges, Baldiah excels in social interactions. She is quite engaged in her community but requires adult supervision to ensure her safety in social settings.

Rinto continued, and Baldiah also underwent training in producing cassava crackers with members of Family Welfare Empowerment (PKK) of Ciasahaan Village on January 22, 2024. In addition to producing crackers, she also gained knowledge in marketing, packaging products, and applying stickers. The PKK members expressed their dedication to supporting the monitoring and improvement of cassava crackers owned by Baldiah.

Baldiah also learned about financial management; hopefully, she can make wise decisions with her money according to her needs and save for her son's education. At first, Baldiah will receive support from her family members until she can run her business on her own.

Besides Baldiah, MoSA also provided hearing aids to Abah Sanip. In order to support the continuity of Baldiah's son’s education, Abdul Fitriadi (11), MoSA distributed school equipment and will regularly monitor his education through local authorities and other officials. Previously, MoSA also gave ATENSI in the form of basic needs such as nutrition, groceries, hygiene tools, and praying staff.