The Ministry of Social Affairs Provides ATENSI Support to Children in Emergency Situations in South Tangerang

JAKARTA (September 3, 2021) - The Ministry of Social Affairs through Social Rehabilitation Center “Handayani” conducts Case Responses for children whose parents are economically affected by the Covid-19 pandemic in South Tangerang.

In responding quickly to Mrs. Finah's letter (not her real name) to the Minister of Social Affairs, the Head of Handayani assigned social workers to carry out outreach to Ms. Finah's family in South Tangerang.

The social worker met with Mrs. Finah and Anak Mekar.

Anak Mekar lives with his parents in a rented room measuring 2.5x7 m2 consisting of a living room and all family activities, a bedroom, and a kitchen with a partition without a door.

His father is a dry bread seller whose income is uncertain while his mother is a freelancer with a salary of Rp. 400 thousand per month, who previously worked as an online motorcycle taxi because of the pandemic so it stopped. The family still has to pay for the children who are still in school and pay the rent of Rp. 900 thousand per month.

"I ventured to send a letter to the Minister of Social Affairs because I often see the Minister on TV, she is a kind person and takes care of the poor people," said Mrs. Finah, teary-eyed.

The family has had the Buaran Village Family Card since their first child was in the 1st grade of elementary school. Mrs. Finah's family data has not been entered into the Integrated Social Welfare Data (DTKS) so that no social security is accessible.

The Social Worker met with Mr. Ibrahim who served as the Social Welfare data verifier. Based on the information, Mrs. Finah's family has not yet entered DTKS because the family has a contracted status. However, it will soon be included in DTKS.

Furthermore, the social worker coordinated with the school for Mekar's children who are in grade 7 of one of the SMPN in South Tangerang. At the school the Social Worker met with Mrs. Sri Isnainiwati, she stated that Mekar's children are quite diligent in doing their assignments even though the school is online, the school fees are free, only uniforms must be purchased by themselves and Mekar does not have any arrears at school.

Handayani Center will ensure that children's basic rights are fulfilled. "For this reason, Handayani Center, in addition to coordinating with various parties, also assists with children's needs such as nutrition, personal hygiene, and school equipment according to the results of the Social Worker assessment," said Hasrifah Musa, Head of Handayani Center.

"I thank the Ministry of Social Affairs for helping us," said Finah, shedding tears.

Social Workers provide psychosocial support to Mekar's children to remain confident and enthusiastic about learning even though their parents are lacking.