Psychosocial Support for Families of KRI Nanggala 402 Victims in Madiun

MADIUN (April 25, 2021) - The Ministry of Social Affairs through the Galih Pakuan Residential Center in Bogor made a friendly visit with the families of the victims of the sinking of the KRI Nanggala 402 which were in Madiun, Tuban, and Nganjuk. The main purpose of this visit is to convey the deepest condolences from the Indonesian Minister of Social Affairs for the disaster that has befallen, as well as provide psychosocial assistance and support for the families of the victims.

The first location visited was the family of the victim Serda Diyut Subandrio, who was at the address Jalan Kutilang Gang Menci, Madiun City. Search results to the address, and the team found that the address is the address of the victim's parents. The team managed to meet the victim's older brother, Rizal, who was accompanied by local environmental officials and representatives from the Koramil. In contrast, the victim's mother could not be found because her condition was still in shock.

Based on Rizal's narrative, the victim was the fifth child of six siblings. The victim, who is his mother's favorite child, previously studied for a Marine enlistment in 2004, then in 2012 he was elected to the Indonesian Navy's submarine crew and served on KRI Nanggala 402 in the electricity section.

Based on information from Rizal, the victim's wife lives in Jalan Salak, so the team headed to that location to visit the victim's wife's residence. The team managed to find Helen who is the wife of the victim. When met by Tim, Helen's condition was still devastated and she could not believe the tragedy that had befallen her husband. "I still don't believe it, I still hope for a miracle," said Helen.

The victim has 2 children. The first daughter Seafa Heldi Azahra is 11 years old and is currently in grade 5 at SD 01 Pandean, while the second child, a boy named Farel Al Faruq, is 5 years old.

The physical condition of the victim's wife, Helen, still looks weak. Psychologically, Helen still cannot fully accept the reality of what happened to her husband. In this condition, the team listened a lot to Helen's feelings of loss and anxiety. The social worker at the Bogor "Galih Pakuan" Residential Center, Yulia Herlina, provided psychological support to Helen by trying to raise her spirits to be steadfast through this most challenging phase. "There are lots of family and friends who care and always provide support. Surely you can get through this difficult time," said Yulia.

The condition was not much different from the victim's first child, Seafa, who had lost a father who had been his role model. Seafa admits that he has had sleep disturbances since the incident. "I have trouble sleeping, remember Dad," said Seafa. The team provided reinforcement to Seafa by ensuring that this disaster would be overcome, remaining optimistic to get up and become a stronger child than before. The team also explored a lot of Seafa's hobbies and potential with the hope that this would inspire him to grow.

Furthermore, the team communicated with Helen's parents to continue to strengthen them so they could always accompany Helen and their children. The support and attention from parents will certainly help the psychological condition of Helen and her children so that they can feel calmer.

The victim's extended family also received support from the surrounding community, as seen from the many visitors who performed takziyah  (visit the family of the dead) at Helen's residence and also attended by several relatives and colleagues of the victims from the Indonesian Navy in Madiun.

Helen and the victim's extended family would like to thank the Ministry of Social Affairs for the attention and support that has been given. It is hoped that the provision of psychosocial support will help the emotional and psychological condition of the victim's family to remain enthusiastic and steadfast through this disaster.