JAYAPURA (February 16, 2023) - Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini, did not miss the moment of Valentine's Day, last Tuesday (14/2). During her visit to Jayapura, Papua, the Minister of Social Affairs especially shared love with the children who were earthquake survivors.

At least, Minister of Social Affairs visited four evacuation sites. Moments of interaction between the Minister of Social Affairs and Papuan children were caught several times in the Ministry of Social refugee camps.

"Do you want to wear it? Come here, I'll help you put it on," said Minister of Social Affairs Risma when she saw a little girl who had difficulty putting on the necklace she had just received at BBPPKS Papua in Jayapura, Tuesday (14/2).

While putting on the necklace, she asked the girl's name and age. The girl answered, "Yasmin, I am just about to go to the first grade of elementary school," she said.

After putting on the necklace, the Minister also completed Yasmin's appearance with a bandana similar to a crown. With a toy stick in hand, this brown skin turned into an angel.

Then, Risma called Yasmin "Princess". "Princess Yasmin! Are you a Princess or a Cinderella?" asked Risma. The Papuan child smiles at the corners of her lips.

Still, at the Ministry of Social Affairs' Training Center in Jayapura, after handing over compensation to heirs, the Minister headed to the main gate of the hall. Unexpectedly, a curly-haired girl who was passing by, suddenly approached the Minister from a distance.

Without thinking any longer, the Minister then gave gifts in the form of food packages and toys to the girl known as Eca. "I give you these toys. I hope you like them," said Risma to the girl.

After that, Risma went to the Ministry of Social’s evacuation post in the courtyard of BTN Numbay, South Jayapura. In refugee camp, she was awaited by the children who welcomed her with songs and cheers. Guided by a Psychosocial Support Service (LDP) companion officer, Risma joined the joy of the children.



Hundreds of gifts in the form of food packages were also distributed to each child. "Who hasn't got it yet? Here, come on," she said as she continued to hand out the food packages and ensured that all of them got the same thing.

A similar view was also seen at the evacuation site at Bhayangkari Field, the Provincial Social Service, and the Papua Province Education and Teaching (P&P) Office in Tanjung Ria, North Jayapura.

Even in the last two locations, the Minister did not hesitate to sing educational songs to save themselves from the earthquake, followed by its movements, with children in the evacuation camps.

"If there is an earthquake, protect your head. If there is an earthquake, go under the table. If there is an earthquake, avoid the mirrors. If there is an earthquake, run to the field," said children loudly.

To restore the joy of this post-disaster children, Ministry of Social Affairs provides interventions through LDP in the form of recreation for children in the evacuation camp and assistance to other vulnerable groups.

Beside giving messages to the children in the shelters through songs, Risma also asked the parents to pay attention to their children while they were playing because the intensity of the earthquake in Jayapura was still high.

"Keep watching them. If another earthquake occurs, take them to a safe place. Don't let them play on the slopes of mountains or other vulnerable places," she said.

Public Relations Bureau
Ministry of Social Affairs RI