Run into a Person with a Disability, Social Affairs Minister Risma Provides ATENSI Assistance

KUPANG (19 JUNE 2023) - The Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini was on her way when she saw a person with a disability selling newspapers. The Minister then got out of her car and greeted the man.

The Minister then assisted him whose name was Saturnus Bria. This moment was recorded during the Minister's working visit to East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) Province (16/06). In Malaka District, the Minister laid the foundation stone and did the same activity in Kupang Regency the next day.

Risma as well as Saturnus then attended the PENA Roadshow at the "Efata" Center in Kupang (17/06). This 42-year-old man was invited to talk on stage.

"Today we have a new friend, a new relative, whom I met on the street yesterday when I was on my way to the airport. Later, we will prepare assistance according to what he asked," said the Minister.

As a result of the initial assessment, Saturnus is a resident of Tarus Village, Kupang City. He has been doing this job for 20 years to fulfill his daily needs. He has five children, four of whom are still living with him. One of his children was also born with a physical disability, like himself.

Seeing Saturnus's condition, the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) through the "Efata'' Center in Kupang provided Social Rehabilitation Assistance (ATENSI) to Saturnus. The assistance provided was basic food assistance worth IDR 1,500,000 in the form of rice, oil, sugar, eggs, and other nutrients.

Apart from basic food assistance, Saturnus was also given entrepreneurship assistance worth IDR 7,000,000 which will be used to run a grocery store at his home. By doing so, Saturnus no longer needs to go around selling newspapers to meet his needs.

Minister of Social Affairs Risma also encouraged Saturnus to be more empowered and live a better life by utilizing business assistance provided by MoSA. The Minister said that no one in Indonesia should be left behind, including persons with disabilities. 

"No one in Indonesia should be left behind. Whoever he is, however he is, including Saturnus. He asked for a grocery store and we prepared it for him, including the materials for Mr. Saturnus to start his own business," said Risma.

The Minister also invited the participants in the PENA Roadshow to care about their surroundings. There will be no more people who have difficulties since the community helps each other.

"We are God's creatures, therefore, we should look after our brothers and sisters. If they are in trouble, we are obliged to help them. We must believe that God exists. No one will be in trouble if we care for each other," said the Minister.

Saturnus was beaming. He did not expect to run into the Minister. He said that it changed his life.

"I feel happy because the Minister has helped. Thank you very much to the Minister for helping me have a grocery store. I was very surprised because it was so sudden. Thank God, thank you very much," said Saturnus.

Saturn hopes that his business can be successful and run smoothly. Apart from fulfilling his daily needs, the proceeds from the grocery store will also be used to send his children to school until they are successful and no longer feel that life is hard.

"Hopefully this business will run smoothly, and it can be used for children's schools so that in the future their lives will not be difficult anymore," said Saturnus.