Yamtim's Struggle To Be The Head Of The Family And Mother To 2 Children: Sometimes He Becomes A Wash And Ironer To Sell

Ganjar Pranowo (Photo via Central Java Provincial Government)

JAKARTA - This is the sad story of a Yamtini (32 years old). Forced to become the head of the family and the mother of his two children. Her beloved husband passed away due to COVID-19.

Yamtini's tears were unstoppable when she saw her son Ahmad Ihya Hakim (12) and Desta Meliana (6) at Gradhika Bhakti Praja, Semarang, Monday 29 November. Especially when his son's head was stroked by the Governor of Central Java, Ganjar Pranowo in the 50th Korpri Anniversary event.

From behind, Yamtini who saw could not hold back tears when her two children received help from Ganjar. His sadness grew even more when he saw his son chatting with Ganjar cheerfully.

Ahmad Ihya Hakim and Desta Meliana are two of 100 orphans due to the COVID-19 pandemic who received assistance from the Central Java Korpri. In addition to financial assistance, orphaned children who are still in school also receive a set of school equipment for the Korpri's birthday event.

"What grade are you in? Oh, you're still in early childhood. Come on, if you're early, you can sing. Try singing it, can you do the song of lizards on the wall?" said Ganjar to Desta.

Shyly, Desta sings the song in front of Ganjar. Ganjar, who squatted in front of Desta several times, helped correct the lyrics of the song when Desta had forgotten. After singing, Ganjar and other participants immediately applauded seeing the courage of the 6-year-old boy.

"You're great, study hard, huh," he said, stroking Desta's head again.

Yamtini was so happy, because the government paid attention to the fate of her two children. He never stopped saying thank you, for the concern of all parties for the future of his two children.

"Alhamdulillah, I am very grateful for the attention and assistance for my children. Hopefully, the assistance will be useful," said Yamtini when confirmed after receiving the assistance.

This resident of Banjardowo Taman, Pemalang Regency, said that the concern of many parties for his children was very meaningful. After being left by her husband due to the COVID-19 pandemic, she has to carry practically all the necessities of life and her two children on her own.

"After my husband died, I became the head of the household as well as the mother for my two children. Even though it was hard, but I will still struggle to send my children to school as high as possible. Until they are successful and successful, unlike me," she said while sobbing.

Every day he works odd jobs. Often, he becomes a washing or ironing worker at his neighbor. The pay is uncertain. Sometimes a week only get Rp50,000.

Yamtini hopes that the government will pay more attention to orphans whose parents died due to the pandemic. Because many of them live in poverty.

"Hopefully the government can pay attention to the children, in order to ease the burden on their parents. Because like me, being left by the head of a family who earns a living is very difficult," he said.

He also hopes that the government will provide jobs for older people like himself. Because, he who became the foundation of the family, could not meet the needs of life only relying on washing and ironing workers.

"Hopefully I can get a decent job, but if I register myself it's definitely not possible because I don't go to school," he explained.

Even so, Yamtini admitted that he was still lucky enough to get the attention of the government. In addition to receiving assistance from Ganjar today, his two children have also been assisted by the Pemalang Regent and have received assistance from the central government.

"My child received Rp450 thousand in aid from the central government, I don't know what it's called. But it is disbursed twice a year. Apart from that, I also get other assistance, hopefully other children will also be taken care of," he concluded.