Reducing Post-Disaster Trauma, MoSA Provides Psychosocial Support Services

Writer :

Hamdan

Editor :

Intan Qonita N

Translator :

Karlina Irsalyana

LUMAJANG (December 11, 2021) – When the sun is directly overhead, the 10x5 meter tent with a roof that reads "Kemensos" looks crowded with colorful balloons, similar to a competition like August 17th.

A large tent is a place for children and communities affected by the eruption of Mount Semeru to relax for a moment from the burdens of life with Psychosocial Support Services (LDP) from the Ministry of Social Affairs.

Tirtosari Field, Penanggal Village, Candipuro District, stands for the tents of humanitarian volunteers which functioned as a place for refugees for eruption victims to receive various social services.

On the whiteboard to the right of the tent, it is written an update on the Panangal Village field data on December 11, 2021, at 06-18 WIB. Adult refugees 59 women 52 (111); children 17 women 26 (43); toddler boys 4 women 2 (6); pregnant women 2; elderly 10 men 9 women (19); male disability 2.

It is undeniable that refugee children and adults have experienced severe post-disaster trauma, as experienced by Aurel and Kaila—kindergarten B graders—when greeted by the Minister of Social Affairs, Tri Rismaharini.

Before the Minister of Social Affairs arrived, the storytellers from the fairy tale community had told the children exciting stories, but it was undeniable that the children had flat faces and blank stares.

In an instant, the atmosphere melted and the happy children forgot their deep sorrow and songs, here and there they are happy (Disini Senang Disana Senang). Although one of them had to accept the reality of being an orphan.

With great affection, the Minister of Social Affairs also invited the children to play, distributed toys and stationery. She invites the children to play the train-like around the big tent where the event takes place.

"Don't be sad. Who wants to play the trains? I am ma'am, I am ma'am," answered the children.

The figure of Social Minister Risma, who is known to be firm, was unable to shed tears and wiped with a tissue when handing over compensation to 17 heirs of 22 victims with total compensation of Rp. 330,000,000.

The Vibrating Minister of Social Affairs asked Alan to hug his mother and the atmosphere was instantly quiet. Alan, an elementary school boy had to lose his beloved father, and since the Minister of Social Affairs arrived he looked gloomy like the sky was starting to get cloudy.

Social Minister Risma turned her face to the children and advised them to learn to be sincere, try to get up, and not continue to mourn the departure of their loved ones.

"My dear children, please study hard to achieve your goals and keep your spirits up," the Social Minister pleaded with his eyes still red.

Since the beginning of the disaster, the Ministry of Social Affairs social workers have provided psychosocial support services for children and refugees, because there are still children who are still alone when playing and there are even residents who when they see the clouds are immediately hysterical in fear.

Food and logistical assistance are sufficient, but psychological assistance is still needed because not only lost property but also the loss of loved ones takes time to accept it.

2021-12-11
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