Two ODGJ Suspended in a Cage in Ponorogo Taken to RSJ Menur

Health Service officers together with members of the Ponorogo Police released an ODGJ from a cage in Sendang Village, Jambon District, Ponorogo Regency, East Java. ANTARA/HO - prastyo

PONOROGO - Two people with mental disorders (ODGJ) from Sendang Village, Jambon District, Ponorogo Regency, East Java, were released from the cage through coordination between the Health Office and the Ponorogo Police to be taken to the Menur Mental Hospital (RSJ), Surabaya.

The two ODGJ, each with the initials M (42) and S (45), have been living in the family home for years because of their unstable mental condition and risk of endangering the surrounding environment.

Ponorogo Health Service Officer Agus Prayitno said the two patients were immediately referred to the Menur Surabaya Mental Hospital (RSJ) for intensive care.

"Both of them will undergo medical treatment for about three months, after which they will continue social rehabilitation at the orphanage for six months. If their condition is stable, they can be sent home to their families," he said as quoted by ANTARA, Tuesday, February 3.

Officers from the Health Office together with the police carried out the release with a persuasive approach to the family, while ensuring that the process was safe and in accordance with the procedures for handling mental health.

Family representatives said that the hanging was the last attempt after previous treatment did not show stable results, while the patient's behavior often endangered family members.

Agus added, based on the history of the local health center, the two patients previously routinely received medication, but in practice they often had difficulty during the administration due to fluctuating mental conditions.

Meanwhile, the Head of Sendang Taufiqurachman Village said that there were previously seven ODGJ who had undergone imprisonment in his area, but gradually had been handled through the release and treatment program.

"With the release of the last two ODGJ, Sendang Village is now declared free of pasung," he said.