Visiting Rape Victims in Bojonegoro, Minister of Social Affairs Expects Parents to Gather and Care for Children

BOJONEGORO (September 3, 2023) - Ministry of Social Affairs took quick steps in handling the rape case that befell two sisters, FA (19) and NS (16) in Bojonegoro Regency, East Java Province.

On Saturday (2/9) afternoon Social Affairs Minister Tri Rismaharini visited the victim's residence. To the victim's father, ST (58), the Minister provided psychological support and mental strengthening to overcome trauma. The Minister asked the family to be willing to be brought to Ministry of Social Affairs technical implementation unit (UPT) in Surakarta, for more intensive handling.

"Later, father and children will live in the Integrated Center "Soeharso" Solo. There, the children will be assisted by psychologists, psychiatrists, and other professionals for trauma recovery, so that their self-confidence will grow again, and they will regain their enthusiasm," said the Minister.

Ministry of Social Affairs provides psychological support, protection, and assistance they need. Through these steps, it is hoped that the victims can recover physically and mentally and get justice.

For the past seven years, the two victims have been left to work by their parents. ST works in Kalimantan while his mother is a female migrant worker (female worker). The two children were entrusted to AR (68), a neighbor who became the perpetrator of rape against FA and NS.

Knowing that the victim's mother became a migrant worker, the Minister hoped the mother could return to Indonesia to be closer and give attention to her child.

"We will help everything, including repatriating the mother from abroad. The most important thing is the children. In the future, I want the mother and father to gather with the children. But children must first recover their mental condition," said Social Affairs Minister Risma to the victim's father.

For the Minister of Social Affairs, the most important thing is that parents can gather and care for their children. "If the father's choice (to work) to Kalimantan, go ahead. But yes, I will ensure that the mother returns home, and does not return (to female worker). So that mom can take care of the children. But that doesn't mean you can't make money here," said the Minister.

On this occasion, Social Affairs Minister Risma provided Social Rehabilitation Assistance (Atensi) in the form of school supplies, clothing, additional nutrition, and reimbursement of school fees (school transfer revocation) worth IDR 17,500,000. This assistance is initial, and other assistance will still be provided as needed.

ST as the victim's father thanked Minister Risma, who had supported and provided assistance to his children.

"Thank you, Minister, for supporting my family so far. Thank you for the help. I cannot repay anything that the Almighty will repay later to you," said ST.

Previously the victim had received assistance from the Integrated Center "Kartini" in Temanggung. This UPT of the Ministry of Social Affairs assists with physical and mental health checks, psychologists conduct, psychosocial therapy, education, hypnotherapy, and relaxation to reduce stress or pressure and tension on victims, as well as coordination with relevant stakeholders such as the police and local prosecutors.

Kartini Integrated Center immediately followed up on the direction of the Minister of Social Affairs to bring victims and families to undergo social rehabilitation and recovery of psychological conditions at Soeharso Center from the victim's home. Present on the occasion, the Head of Kartini Integrated Center in Temanggung, Iyan Kusmadiana, and related officials.