Reducing the Risk of COVID-19 Impact, "Mulya Jaya" Center Distributes Social Assistance

BLITAR (May 14, 2020) - The "Mulya Jaya" Social Rehabilitation Center in Jakarta is a social rehabilitation institution under the Directorate General of Social Rehabilitation of the Ministry of Social Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, which deals with ex-female sex workers, female victims of violence, and female victims of human trafficking.

One of the services provided is the Time Bound Shelter program, which is social rehabilitation in a center with a period of two weeks, two months, and four months. In addition to these programs, there is an Intended Assistance (BanTu) program that is given to Beneficiaries (PM) to be a stimulant to support the success of PM after returning to the community. The types of assistance provided are Business Capital Social Assistance (Bansos) PMs who have undergone social rehabilitation in the center for four months, Business Capital Development Social Assistance for ex-PMs who already have businesses, and Social Assistance for PMs who do not receive social rehabilitation services at the center.

Today (14/5) the "Mulya Jaya" Center distributed Business Capital Social Assistance for eight PMs in Blitar Regency. This social assistance aims to reduce the risk of being affected by COVID-19 both economically and socially for PMs. Through this assistance, it is hoped that the PMs will be able to improve their well-being because they can start a business for their own good and can improve their ability to fulfill daily needs. If the effort that has been started goes well, it will prevent the PMs from deteriorating (economic conditions) due to COVID-19. The Business Capital Social Assistance provided is 5 million rupiahs/PM.

When arriving at the Blitar Regency Social Service office, the Head of the Social Assessment and Advocacy Section of the “Mulya Jaya” Center, Agung Santoso accompanied by his team, conveyed the intention and purpose of coming today are to distribute Business Capital Social Assistance for PMs who have been rehabilitated in the center as well as symbolically hand over the social assistance provided.

"We are from the Jakarta Mulya Jaya Center, ma'am, the intention of our visit is in accordance with what we have previously coordinated with the Rondiyah Social Welfare Institution (LKS) and the Social Workers here, we will distribute and disburse assistance funds for the eight PMs who have been trained," Agung explained.

The Secretary of the Blitar Regency Social Service, Istiqomah, welcomed the arrival of the "Mulya Jaya" Center Team. Istiqomah said that the synergy between the central and regional governments, especially the Ministry of Social Affairs through the "Mulya Jaya" Center, is very important to improve social welfare services optimally.

"Basically, I am very happy with your visit. Especially in the current situation and condition of COVID-19 which has resulted in many restricted accesses. I am grateful. We, the local government here, have a role to carry out continuous monitoring and even evaluation for ex-PMs who have been given assistance. This is important to do as a form of synergy between the central and regional governments, "said Istiqomah.

Furthermore, a symbolic handover of Business Capital Social Assistance was carried out to the PMs who were present at the hall of the Blitar Regency Social Service.

"I hope all of you can take full advantage of this good opportunity," said Istiqomah when handing over the assistance.

After the handover, the "Mulya Jaya" Center team and LKS Rondiyah representatives directly accompanied the eight PMs to disburse the assistance funds that had been transferred to their respective accounts. The team and PMs headed to the BRI Bank Branch Office in Blitar Regency and managed the requirements for disbursing assistance funds. After the funds are disbursed, the plan is that tomorrow (15/5) there will be expenditure assistance according to the previously made proposal. The businesses that will be opened by the eight PMs include sewing, culinary, salon, and food stalls.

In carrying out this activity, health protocols are still conducted to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by regularly washing hands using soap, maintaining a safe distance, and wearing a mask. With the discipline of implementing health protocols, the health and safety of both officers and PMs will continue to be maintained.