AGAM (February 7th, 2024) – The Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) through Padang Social Welfare Education and Training Center (BBPPKS) and Agam Regency Social Service provided companion and assistance to Zikri Alhakim (7), as well as his parents, Upik Ramlah (30) and Rusdi Romainur (46). They are residents of Jorong Parit Panjang Nagari Lubuk Basung, Lubuk Basung District, Agam Regency, West Sumatera.

Zikri suffered from Beta Thalassemia Major, a genetic disease from one or both parents in which there is an abnormality/damage to the body's red blood cell production apparatus. The disorder he suffered from made him often feel more tired than usual, get dizzy easily, and have to undergo blood transfusions every month. Besides, he also had to have a routine check-up every week to get medicine.

According to Zikri's condition, Upik and Rusdi felt unable to continue taking Zikri for routine check-ups to Central General Hospital (RSUP) Dr. M. Djamil Padang due to financial difficulties and the distance from where they stayed.

"I asked the doctor to get treatment at Lubuk Basung Regional Hospital so that it is closer to where we stay so that it reduces costs every month," said Upik.

To meet daily needs, Upik made 12 kg of fried peanuts every week to be sold at people’s stalls. The income earned from selling fried peanuts was around IDR 100,000 for every 5 kg.

Meanwhile, her husband, Rusdi, worked as a hair barber on a profit-sharing system. The average income was IDR 50,000 each day on Monday to Friday and IDR 100,000 each day on Saturday and Sunday. Besides, to meet the family's needs, Rusdi also worked on a 25 x 12 meter rice field and a 20 x 12 meter garden belonging to someone else.

MoSA helped Zikri and his family by providing assistance in the form of basic necessities, additional nutrition and school supplies.

Dealing with Zikri’s treatment, MoSA accompanied Zikri at RSUP Dr. M. Djamil Padang to have a check-up. As a result of the examination, the doctor recommended one additional type of medicine to consume as Zikri looked pale and his blood condition was not good. MoSA also accompanied the family in processing the extension of the referral to RSUP Dr. M. Djamil Padang whose validity period had expired.

The head of BBPPKS Padang, Hasim said that to make it easier for Zikri to undergo treatment, he would facilitate accommodation and transportation for outpatient treatment at RSUP Dr. M. Djamil Padang.

Meanwhile, to help empower the family, MoSA provided assistance to develop the business of making and selling fried peanuts and barber shop equipment with a total assistance worth IDR 5,760,000.

Furthermore, MoSA also provided childcare education, as well as the development of Productive Economic Enterprises (UEP) for Upik and Rusdi. "Through this activity, it is hoped that the family will be more confident and motivated to take care of their children," he said in a written report submitted to the Minister of Social Affairs, on Monday (5/2).

MoSA would continue to monitor the development of UEP carried out by Zikri's parents. Besides, MoSA also provided a social companion for Zikri’s family so that they could be more independent and have a better life in the future.

Public Relations Bureau
Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs