Taking Care of His Aunt in Uninhabitable House, Edi Receives Business Assistance from MoSA

LEBAK (February 13, 2023) - Edi had mixed feelings when he received entrepreneurial assistance in the form of a mobile phone credit business kiosk package from the Ministry of Social Affairs.

On the one hand, he is happy that his dream of owning a business has come true. But on the other hand, the 35-year-old man was grieving because his aunt who he had been caring for, Mrs. Tati, had passed away.

"I'm speechless. I'm happy to get help. Now, the house is clean. But my aunt is no longer there," said Edi.

Before being declared dead on February 7, 2023, Tati (53), a resident of Kampung Cibahbul, East Rangkasbitung Village, Rangkasbitung Subdistrict, Lebak Regency, Banten, was seriously ill. Tati had to be bedridden for 4 years.

During that time, Tati was cared for by her nephew Edi and his son Rizki (11). The three of them live in a house owned by Tati's parents that is in poor condition. Edi raised his son alone after divorcing his wife.

Despite having a Social Security Administration (BPJS) card, Edi was unable to take Tati for treatment because he did not have the money.

While caring for Tati, Edi was forced to stop working. He sells used cellphones online to make ends meet. Sometimes, he is asked to cut the neighbor's grass, and get a wage from there.

Tati's story was then included in the Ministry of Social Affairs' media monitoring and Social Minister Tri Rismaharini immediately asked the "Galih Pakuan" Center in Bogor to respond to Tati's case. On Wednesday (8/2), the Ministry of Social Affairs team arrived at Tati's house to immediately conduct an assessment and coordinate with local authorities.

"The living conditions of Tati and Edi are very concerning. Although they live in a permanent house, the roof tiles and walls are damaged. The floor is made of part soil and part cement. Meanwhile, the condition of the kitchen and toilets is also inadequate. The condition of the house is worsened by the lack of maintenance," said Head of the "Galih Pakuan" Center in Bogor Siti Sari Rumayanti, Monday (2/13).

Seeing this condition, Sari said that her party immediately invited the community and local officials to work together to clean the house. "The Ministry of Social Affairs facilitates the provision of plastic carpets for the floor, along with mattresses, cabinets, and other home furnishings," she said.

In addition to clean the house, the Ministry of Social Affairs also handed over Social Rehabilitation Assistance (ATENSI) assistance in the form of food packages, fulfilment of nutrition and personal hygiene equipment. Meanwhile, Rizki, who is still in grade 4 elementary school, was given school supplies. The Ministry of Social Affairs also provided business assistance for Edi's source of income.

"We also provide business assistance in the form of a pulse kiosk. There are cellphones, display cases, and pulse packages because Mr. Edi really asked for it," said Sari.

Tati, and Edi, have never received assistance from the government because they have not been recorded in the Integrated Social Welfare Data (DTKS). Sari said that her party is currently coordinating with the local government to input the data so that Edi can receive social security assistance program, such as basic food assistance and Integrated Welfare Houses.

Tati still has 2 children in Batam, therefore MoSA will try to reunite and reintegrates with Tati’s family by connecting her children even though she has passed away.

Public Relation Bureau

Ministry of Social Affairs