Social Minister Risma: Psychosocial Assistance Restores Mentally Sick Children

Indonesian Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini when giving his direction in Pandeglang Regency, Banten, Tuesday (20/6/2023). (ANTARA/HO-Kemensos)

JAKARTA - Minister of Social Affairs (Mensos) Tri Rismaharini assessed that psychosocial assistance can help the mental recovery of children who are vulnerable and seriously ill, as has been experienced by victims of cases of Trafficking in Persons (TPPO). "These children have a long future. We want them to return to their daily lives like children their age in general," said the Minister of Social Affairs in an official statement in Jakarta, Antara, Wednesday, June 21. When visiting Pandeglang Regency, Banten yesterday, the Ministry of Social Affairs through the Bogor Pakuan Galih Center provided psychosocial assistance to KS (13) and NA (14), who were victims of TIP. In addition, Muhammad Arifin (13), who is a child with thalasemia, is a congenital red blood disorder due to a lack of protein chain (goblin) forming the main hemoglobin. The psychosocial assistance is expected to strengthen the mentality of children who are part of a vulnerable group. "NA and KS will be taken to the Galih Pakuan Center to be rehabilitated and given useful activities, while Arifin must continue to transfuse blood. We will help accessibility of transportation so that he can go to the hospital for treatment," said Social Minister Risma. In this activity, Social Minister Risma also provided assistance for basic needs, nutrition, basic necessities, and personal hygiene, worth Rp. 15.2 million, assistance for NA and KS needs of Rp. 10 million, and entrepreneurship assistance for NA families amounting to Rp. 5 million. In addition, Social Minister Risma gave awards to three ranks of the Pandeglang Police and three ranks of the Pandeglang District Attorney's Office (Kajari) for legal actions that have been taken in the TIP case in Pandeglang. The award was given to AKBP Belny Warlansyah as the Head of the Pandeglang Police, AKP Edgeton as Head of Criminal Investigation Unit Res Pandeglang, Ipsa Akbar as Head of 4 PPA Sat Reskrim Res Pandeglang, Helena Octavianne as Head of the Pandeglang District Attorney, Mario Nicolas as Head of the General Crimes Section, and Vera Farianti Havilah as Head of Subsidy for Prosecution, Execution and Examination. "We appreciate the Polres and Kajari Pandeglang who have responded well to the TIP case. This concerns children, the impact is quite large because it is not only children but there must be a series," said Social Minister Risma. Meanwhile, the Regent of Pandeglang, Irna Narulita, appreciated the quick handling of the Ministry of Social Affairs in handling the TIP cases of minors that occurred in his area. "Thank you, Mrs. Social Minister for taking the time to come and pay attention to our citizens. God willing, this will be our concern to be followed up and monitored in a sustainable manner," said Irna.