Provision Of Formula Milk For Toddlers Of South Petojo Fire Victims Authority Of Central Jakarta Health Sub-dept.

Victims of the South Petojo fire in front of the Central Jakarta Mayor's Office were removed/ Photo: Rizky Sulistio/ VOI

JAKARTA - The Central Jakarta Social Service Sub-dept. (Sudinsos) explained that the follow-up to the provision of formula requests for baby and toddler victims affected by the fire on Gang Kober Street, South Petojo Village, Gambir District, Central Jakarta, was not under his authority.

This is because Sudinsos claims that it is not obliged to provide milk to people in need.

"The authorities are from the Health or Community (Ministry of Service). There is no assistance from the Social Service in the form of giving milk," said Head of the Central Jakarta Social Service (Kasudinsos), Abdul Salam when contacted by VOI, Tuesday, August 29, morning.

In addition, according to him, giving milk must also be age-appropriate. Provision of milk cannot be arbitrary, it must be determined according to age for those in need.

"Giving milk must be in accordance with age, but it is not the authority of the Social Sub-Department. The Social Sub-Department only prepares ready-to-eat meals, refugee tents and clothing to residents," he said.

Previously reported, even though he was in a refugee post at the Central Jakarta City Government (Pemkot) office, a number of babies and toddlers were affected by the fire, residents of Gang Kober Street, Gambir District, Central Jakarta, had not received any milk formula (Sofur) assistance.

"Until now, I have not received milk for my baby child. From the first day we evacuated here, we have not received any milk," said Wita Desi (25), a resident of RT 02/08, Gambir, Central Jakarta, Monday, August 28.

Wita said that she had to spend her own money to be able to buy formulas for her baby. Apart from herself, other residents who have babies and toddlers have not received any milk formula assistance.

"For now, I still use my own money. We only recorded it but the milk didn't get it," he regretted.