BENGKULU (11 MAY 2023) - Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini is paying great attention to cases of rape against children in Bengkulu Province. On Tuesday (09/05), the Minister met with 35 child raped victims and their parents in North Bengkulu Province before going to Bengkulu City to meet with other rape victims.


Apart from providing motivation, the Minister provided a variety of assistance. On the second day of her visit, the Minister went to the home of a rape victim in Sungai Serut District, Bengkulu City. The Minister and her entourage also greeted the heirs of the victims killed by the tornado in Panorama District, Bengkulu City (10/06).


The Minister encouraged the rape victim, who was a minor, to recover swiftly from the stress and dread she felt following the brutal act.


"Don't worry, okay? You no longer need to be terrified since you are now my child. "I will do anything to keep you in school," said the Minister at the rented house shared by the victim and her blind father.


The Minister then directed the "Dharma Guna" Center in Bengkulu of the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) to provide ATENSI aid to victims in the form of health checks, nutritional assistance, personal hygiene equipment, school supplies, worship equipment, sleeping equipment, and clothes. The victim will also receive clinical psychological support to monitor her psychosocial condition.


MoSA has worked with the social office and the school to monitor the victim and avoid stigmatizing her, allowing her to continue attending school as usual.


Because the victim's father is blind, MoSA also gave food and ATENSI aids such as basic foods, cleaning supplies, sleeping equipment, and nutritional aids. MoSA also encouraged the victim's father to continue accompanying, supervising, and showing attention and compassion to the victim so that she could concentrate on remaining enthused about school.


As part of the monitoring and supervision of this case, the victim and his father are currently housed at the "Dharma Guna" Center in Bengkulu. While at the center, officers will accompany the victim to and from school. The victim's father will also receive skills training to help him become more empowered, allowing him to raise his standard of living.


Visiting Tornado Victims


In addition to assisting rape victims, the Minister paid a visit to victims of tornadoes that struck numerous locations in Bengkulu Province on Monday (08/05). The tornado killed two individuals, a mother, and her child, after they were hit by a tree while driving down Danau Dendam Street in Singaran Pati District, Bengkulu City.


"First and foremost, I apologize for not being able to remain longer since I had to go to the airport; I am deeply sorry. I share my condolences, and I hope Allah may grant you fortitude. May your family be placed in the best place in the sight of Allah," stated the Minister to the heirs when visiting the victim's home in Panorama District, Bengkulu City, Bengkulu.


During her visit, the Minister handed over inheritance compensation worth IDR 30 million and basic food assistance to the victim's family.


"Sir, we apologize, this is following the government's standards. We convey the mandate from the President, you as the heir, here is a small amount, our condolences," said the Minister as she handed over the heir compensation.


Furthermore, MoSA will give logistical aid to 57 tornado-affected households, including 20 sheets of tarpaulin, 250 packages of children's meals, 250 packages of ready-to-eat food, 80 blankets, and 50 beds.