National Children's Day Celebration with LKSA and PSAA Foster Children

BANDUNG (July 18, 2020) - The celebration to welcome National Children's Day (HAN) 2020 organized by the National Forum for Child Care Social Institutions (PSAA)/ Child Welfare Institutions (LKSA) was virtually attended by 300 participants with the theme "Hearing the Foster Children of PSAA/LKSA Indonesia speak".

The Director General of Social Rehabilitation, Harry Hikmat, expressed his appreciation to Fornas PSAA/LKSA who remained solid and cooperated in welcoming the 2020 HAN in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. "The Ministry of Social Affairs expresses its highest appreciation for the commitment to the struggle of all PSAA/LKSA who have worked hard to provide the best for Indonesian children in the current difficult situation," said Harry.

The Director of Child Social Rehabilitation of the Ministry of Social Affairs continues to socialize the importance of caring for and protecting children, especially children outside the care of their own parents. It is important for us to prevent children from being abused and even exploited by irresponsible people.

"Accreditation is one of the efforts to standardize the quality of services provided by PSAA/LKSA to convince the public," said Harry. Furthermore, various efforts to strengthen human resources are in the form of strengthening information through the exchange of knowledge and assistance to PSAA/LKSA managers through modules and procedures that have been determined.

Harry added, PSAA/LKSA are very proud of us because in the midst of this difficult situation we can still carry out social services for children, the needs of virtual schools and their religious knowledge. "PSAA/LKSA are not only limited to serve children in their institution, but also childrenchildren whose basic needs are met in the care of their families," said Harry.

On this occasion, Harry also hopes that the institution will remain enthusiastic in carrying out outreach to strengthen families through Family Support and it needs to be expanded. "Parenting in the family we need to develop and continue, because more and more children can be protected," Harry hoped.

There needs to be a priority scale for children who must be cared for in the orphanage, namely children who are in dire need, for example having no parents at all, no family relatives, no substitute family or even adoption.

"The issue of neglected children, we must provide protection," said Harry.

Harry added that currently, the Director of Child Social Rehabilitation is developing a Foster Care Program. Harry invites PSAA/LKSA to participate in this program so that children's rights to be cared for in the family can be fulfilled.

The event was more interesting by listening to stories and aspirations from foster children representatives from PSAA/LKSA Regional Forums throughout Indonesia. LuhAnik from LKSA WidyahAsih Bali told the ups and downs of studying inside and outside the orphanage. "In March our school was closed because of COVID-19, so we were sent home but some remained in the orphanage. In July we returned to the orphanage, but did a different routine because we had to follow the COVID-19 health protocol," said LuhAnik

Representative of children from LKSA Riyadhul Jannah Semarang, Rafi AK expressed his ideals. "After experiencing life in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, I aspire to become an Expert in Technology at Diponegoro University so that I can become a doctor who has new discoveries," said Rafi.

Meanwhile, representatives of LKSA children from South Sulawesi were in line with what was conveyed by LKSA children from Abepura Papua hoping for help from the Ministry of Social Affairs. "Before COVID-19, we received a lot of donors, but now we are asking for help for Distance Learning (PJJ) fees that need cellphones/laptops and also credit," Nurul hoped.

Director General of Social Rehabilitation, Harry listened to all the stories and aspirations of the children with emotion and was proud of their enthusiasm. "If, for example, it is possible for parents to visit their children, increase the intensity. Meetings between parents and children at the orphanage must be increased so that parental responsibilities can still be carried out," said Harry.

"The dormitory system in the future is expected to be in the form of cottages with a substitute family care system even though it is within the PSAA/LKSA environment. Children are in a substitute family environment because the administrators are parents."There needs to be an effort to build Foster Care within the PSAA/LKSA so that it is in accordance with the Ministry of Social policy," said Harry.

The Director of Children's Social Rehabilitation, KanyaEka Santi was present at this festive event giving directions on health protocols during the COVID-19 pandemic. "The Ministry of Social Affairs in collaboration with Unicef ​​has distributed Guidelines for Protecting Children from the threat of COVID-19 in Children's Centers, LKSAs and Other Child Care Institutions as well as Information on Clean and Healthy Life Behavior (PHBS)," said Kanya

"So that children are not exposed to COVID-19, we must continue to wash our hands diligently, wear masks, keep our distance and maintain body immunity with healthy food," Kanya appealed.

The Chairman of PSAA/LKSA National Forum, Yanto Mulya Pibiwanto, in his direction, gave a message for the children and their administrators. "For my children throughout Indonesia, I hope they stay healthy and obey the rules of the COVID-19 health protocol. For PSAA / LKSA we hope to maintain health and continue to guide children, there will be no more violence against children. Love and guide our children," the message Yanto.

As a follow-up to today's Virtual HAN commemoration, the Ministry of Social Affairs will follow up on the aspirations that have been conveyed by children, increase the participation of children at the national level such as the PSAA/LKSA Child Forum, and strengthen collaboration with ministries/agencies related to child care and protection.