Minister Risma Swiftly Aids an Elderly Living Alone in Tangerang Regency

TANGERANG (June 13, 2024) -- Social Affairs Minister Tri Rismaharini visited the home of Madawi (67), an elderly man whose story went viral in the media. Madawi lives alone in a modest shack in Gandu Village, Sindang Jaya District, Tangerang Regency. Minister Risma promptly arranged for an ambulance to transport Madawi to the hospital.

Minister Risma acted quickly to get Madawi medical treatment after he had been ailing for six months. "Let's go to the hospital," Minister Risma told Madawi. Madawi was taken to Tangerang Regency General Hospital by a team from the Ministry of Social Affairs. In addition, MoSA assessed Madawi's needs for medical support and recovery. After being examined at the hospital and allowed to undergo outpatient care, the MoSA team took Madawi to the MoSA Mulya Jaya Center in Jakarta for residential care.

Minister Risma learned about Madawi's situation from social media, noting that he lived alone in an uninhabitable shack. Madawi had been sick for six months, so his neighbor, Mintarsih (50), helped him with his daily food needs. "Mr Madawi lives alone. That is why I go to his house to give him water, food, and occasionally wash his clothes. I can't take it, so I help," she explained.

Mintarsih mentioned that Madawi's house was in very poor condition. The shack's roof leaked, the walls were full of holes, and wild animals such as snakes frequently entered. Before becoming ill, Madawi worked as a farmer, farming cassava, corn, and peanuts. His daily income from selling his crops was only enough to meet his daily needs.

Mintarsih was surprised by Minister Risma's arrival. “I was surprised yet delighted that the Minister came to our area to see Mr Madawi. "Especially since she took him straight to the hospital for treatment," she explained. Mintarsih also had a dialogue with Minister Risma, who asked about the work of the local women. Minister Risma sent a team to assess the need to support the businesses of 15 households around Madawi's residence.

Moreover, Minister Risma also conversed with several young people in the area. "We were asked by the Minister to assess and verify what types of businesses the local women and youth have so that they can be supported for a better future," said Aziz Gunawan, Head of the Tangerang Regency Social Office.