Wamen HAM: SD Student Ends Life in NTT "Wake-up Call" for the Country

JAKARTA - Deputy Minister of Human Rights Mugiyanto said the tragedy of a primary school student in East Nusa Tenggara, YBH (10), who allegedly ended his life due to family economic problems was a warning or wake-up call for the country.

Mugiyanto said the incident was a reminder of the importance of the government at all levels to be present even to the family level.

"I appeal to the government and the country to be more present in the homes of every citizen. Be present to ensure that the right to a decent life is fulfilled, the right to education is fulfilled, and the right to health, housing, and employment," he said, quoted by ANTARA, Friday, February 6.

According to him, this tragedy is very disturbing and stabbing the conscience of the nation. "First and foremost, I am the Deputy Minister of Human Rights. I can feel it very much because it is very related to my life and situation when I was a child in the village," he said.

He further highlighted the condition of the victim's family who were in the extreme poverty category.

According to him, this condition is the basis for President Prabowo Subianto to carry out programs, such as Free Nutritious Meals, People's Schools, free health checks, village cooperatives, housing, and jobs.

Not only deciding the chain of poverty, Mugiyanto said President Prabowo also wants the poor to rise in class and be empowered.

"So that all citizens can become first-class citizens, all are equal, can get and enjoy their rights. No one should be left behind," he said.

The government, added Mugiyanto, is working hard to eradicate poverty so that children are no longer shackled. "This is important so that the sacrifice of our children YBH is not in vain," he said.

In addition, he emphasized the commitment of the Ministry of Human Rights to work together with all ministries, institutions, and local governments to ensure that all citizens can prosper.

Regarding the YBH incident, the Ministry of Human Rights has assigned the NTT Regional Office (Kanwil) to go to the field, visit, and accompany the family who are grieving.

"Through the Regional Office of the Human Rights Commission, we will go down with the local government to know the pulse and understand the problems faced by the residents, as a way to mitigate so that similar events do not occur, anywhere in Indonesia," he said.

"Life is worth living with a decent home, children can go to school, if they are sick they can get treatment, and getting a job is a human right. The Ministry of Human Rights has been tasked by the President to ensure that these rights are fulfilled by the state, especially the government," added Mugiyanto.

Previously, on Thursday (29/1), YBH(10), a grade 4 SD student in Ngada Regency, NTT, ended his life by leaving a letter for his mother.

During his life, the victim, who was the youngest of five siblings, lived with his grandmother, while his mother lived in another village with four of the victim's siblings.

Meanwhile, the victim's biological father went abroad while the victim was still in his mother's womb and has never returned.