JAKARTA (16 May 2021) - The Ministry of Social Affairs empowers persons with disability to remain productive and independent.

The Ministry of Social Affairs gives ATENSI (Social Rehabilitation Assistance) in the form of business capital and electric tricycle worth IDR 19.5 Million to Gading Ogi Saputra, 17, a person with physical disability.

Gading is a young man with physical disability who went viral on social media for his persistence. He inspired many people, not only people with disabilities.

"We have given him a three-wheeled motorbike and business capital," said Social Minister Tri Rismahini after her visit to Gading’s house in Pekalongan, Sunday (16/5/2021).

Gading, said the Social Minister, wanted to open a lontong business. Ministry of Social Affairs would assist him with capital. This year, Ministry of Social Affairs gives 490 three-wheeled motorbikes for people with disabilities.

“There are many assistive devices for persons with disability according to their needs,” she said.

The Social Minister accompanied by the Regent of Pekalongan, Asip Kholbihi; Head of Prosecutors Office Pekalongan, Abun Hasbullah Syambas; The Regional Secretary, Bambang Irianto; Director General of Social Rehabilitation Harry Hikmat, as well as the Minister's Special Advisor (SKM).

Gading has been selling packaged food and soft drinks around on his self assembled tricycle for two years. He went around selling food and drinks around the Pekalongan Regency Square from 16.00 - 23.00 WIB.

Gading is physically disabled since he was born. He also has slowed physical development resulting in his legs not functioning properly so that he walks on all fours.

Now Gading has his own stall in his house called Lapak Gading Berkah managed by his father and mother because Gading continues to peddle.

Gading is known to be helpful and charitable. He is also religious and cheerful. His dream of having an electric three-wheeled motorbike has come true; given directly by the Social Minister.

His hard efforts paid off in the amount of IDR 500 thousand per day. Gading calculates and records his own income on his smart phone. Gading also noted if there were sold out items and needed to be bought immediately.

The Ministry of Social Affairs is present in the midst of the community as a form of the state being present, not only in natural and social disasters but also for people with disabilities.

Public Relations Bureau
Ministry of Social Affairs