Donation For The 'Most Expensive' Medical Team Came From Mbah Sumiyati

Mbah Sumiyati and her husband (Photo via Central Java Provincial Government)

SEMARANG - Old age does not make them just sit quietly. Setyabudi Sutanto (72) and Sumiyati Sastro Kaelan (69) came with donations that we might consider the most 'expensive' among similar assistance for medical personnel.

The sun is still shining in the city of Semarang, Central Java. However, it did not deter the couple who came to the house of the number one person in Central Java, Ganjar Pranowo. These grandparents have a special mission. Register as a volunteer for COVID-19 in Central Java.

"I was a former nurse at Kariadi Hospital. After my husband had an accident in 1975, I left and focused on taking care of my husband. Now I am unemployed and feel that my body is still healthy. So please Pak Ganjar, I want to become a volunteer to help medical personnel deal with this disease," pleaded Sumiyati at the official residence of the governor of Central Java, Puri Gedeh, Semarang City, Monday, May 11.

Sumiyati did not come empty-handed. Despite his advanced age, he entered the official residence carrying a box containing 100 masks and Rp. 500 thousand in cash.

Honestly, Sumiyati admitted that it was not her own contribution. But donations from several residents were entrusted to him.

"Then I prayed that my elderly person could help. It was the children who made masks and gave them to me, some gave me money and then I saved them," said the resident of Sidorejo, Jalan Dr. Cipto, Semarang City.

Sumiyati's humanity was moved after seeing the video of Ganjar Pranowo, which invited everyone to feel kamanungsan (embrace humanity), helping others in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Niki kula mbetha mask (I bring this mask). Niki mango money is slapped (please accept a little money)," said Sumiyati to Ganjar.

"Alhamdulilah by my money (thank God I got money)," joked Ganjar.

But not yet finished talking, Sumiati immediately brushed off Ganjar's hand that was holding the envelope containing his donation money.

"Mboten nggo njenengan (not for you), just passing by," said Sumiyati greeted by Ganjar's laughter.

"I accept masks and the money, mbah, thank you very much. Later we will distribute it to people who need it," replied Ganjar.

Ganjar agreed that Sumiyati and her husband could volunteer. But it's not COVID-19 volunteers who have to fight in the hospital. Ganjar wants these parents to become volunteers in the neighborhood around his house.

"Njenengan helps like this, has become a volunteer. If I want more, I have the Jogo Tonggo program, to protect my neighbors from going hungry. Mangga, the grandmother both participated, motivating the environment to care. Those who are able to help the poor, those who are in need are assisted, ”said Ganjar.