Minister of Social Affairs Visits Orphan Beneficiary of YAPI Program in East Jakarta

Jakarta Timur (7 October 2024) - Orphans often face numerous challenges after losing their parents. In Indonesia, the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) has launched the YAPI (Orphans, Motherless, Fatherless) Program as a response to support their basic needs. To reinforce this commitment, Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf visited a YAPI Program beneficiary in Ciracas, East Jakarta, on Monday (7/10/2024).

A warm conversation ensued in a modest house belonging to Ajeng Pratiwi’s (13) family. The minister, affectionally known as Gus Mensos, motivated Ajeng to remain hopeful and persevere. “Many successful individuals come from underprivileged backgrounds, even orphans. I hope one day, you will become a remarkable person too,” said Gus Mensos to Ajeng.

Uniquely, Gus Mensos toured the house, including the kitchen and bathroom to assess its cleanliness. According to Gus Mensos, a house does not need to be luxurious, as long as it is well-maintained He also praised Ajeng’s house, saying it is clean enough.

The presence of Gus Mensos brought renewed hope to Ajeng’s family. Not only did Ajeng receive assistance, but her mother, Herni (52), was also provided with empowerment support in the form of items to start selling seblak and drinks.

Before passed away in 2018 due to diabetes, Ajeng’s father worked as a driver in a factory. Since her father’s death, the family’s livelihood has relied on her older sister. Her mother, who had tried several jobs and small businesses, had to cease operation due to a lack of capital. Therefore, assistance from MoSA has been incredibly meaningful.

“I am very happy, Alhamdulillah, I can start my small business again. I hope it thrives so I can provide for Ajeng,” said Herni.

Ajeng began receiving support from the YAPI program in early 2024. As a 7th-grade student at SMPN 210 Jakarta, she uses the aid to purchase school supplies such as uniforms, books, and other necessities.

The YAPI program provides financial support of IDR 200,000 per month, distributed through a designated bank, to children who have lost one or both parents. This assistance continues until the child reaches 18 years old, as stipulated in Law Number 35 of 2014, which amended Law Number 23 of 2002 on Child Protection.