They Have the Potential to Grow

MALANG (January 31, 2021) - Still from the comprehensive assessment of the "Kartini" Center Temanggung in Malang Raya (Malang Regency, Malang City and Batu City) which was carried out for 4 days. This activity reached more than 1000 intellectual disabilities spread across 16 sub-districts in the Greater Malang area by deploying 33 assessors from Kartini Center Temanggung.

At the Kelampok village hall, Singosari sub-district, there was a family of 6 (six) siblings, and 3 (three) of them were people with intellectual disabilities. Riwanto (38), Hendra (34) and Muklis (24) who live in Gunungrejo village have obstacles in the development of their intelligence, so it affects the development of their lives. The three of them live in the house left by their parents.

"In fulfilling his daily needs, Riwanto, who is diligent, is often asked by neighbors around the house to do some activities. Hoeing the fields, cleaning the yard and even transporting goods," explained Yuli Abidin, Social Worker of Malang Regency Social Worker Serve Unit (Sakti Peksos). Jobs with uncertain income and only enough to eat are things that he must be done in order to stay alive.

With the same income as his brother, Hendra also works odd jobs relying on his physical strength to stay alive. Meanwhile, his youngest brother, Muklis, is only able to do his daily work at home, while his two older brothers earn a fortune. "Especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, life is getting more difficult. But they never complain or give up," added Kurnia Mega, who is also a Social Worker in Malang Regency.

According to the results of the assessment, all three actually have potential that can be developed. If they were trained and explored their vocational abilities from an early age, of course now they have a skill that can support their daily lives. But it's never too late, the Kartini Center Team plus the support from the Malang Regency Social Office and other stakeholders will immediately follow up on the results of the assessment, as a manifestation of the government's presence to fulfill their rights.