5 Thousand More Children In East Java Orphaned After Parents Died Infected With COVID-19

ILLUSTRATION/UNSPLASH

SURABAYA - Thousands of children in East Java survive alone or are orphans. Because both of their parents died after being infected with COVID-19.

"There are around 5,082 children who are orphaned, because their parents died of COVID-19," said Head of the East Java Women's Empowerment, Child Protection and Population Service (DP3AK East Java), Andriyanto, confirmed on Wednesday, August 4.

Knowing this condition, Andriyanto admitted that he would collaborate with various parties, from community institutions, children's forums, and other stakeholders. The goal is for integrated psychosocial recovery for children after the loss of their parents.

The trick is to provide psychological assistance to carry out assessments, psychological strengthening of these thousands of children.

"We are currently still conducting the data collection process by name by address. This data collection is for intervention, and providing specific assistance to them," he said.

These children, continued Andriyanto, will also be given capacity building, with education and entrepreneurship training by professional trainers needed by teenagers. The method will be through online or offline at the UPTD of the Social Service of the Province of East Java.

"We are also working with the Dukcapil Office to ensure that these children get their civil rights, such as parents' death certificates, birth certificates, family cards with names, child identity cards and ID cards recording for those who are 17 years old," he said.

In addition, the death rate due to COVID-19 in East Java reached 21,012 people as of August 2, 2021. From that number, the death rate for children infected with COVID-19 increased from 93 to 114 people. "There are 114 children who have died due to the COVID-19 infection. The details are 50 children aged 0-5 years and 64 children aged 6-18 years," he said.

Meanwhile, the Head of the East Java Social Service (Dinsos), Alwi, admitted that he was still collecting data on orphans whose parents had been exposed to COVID-19. Later, his party will conduct an assessment of the orphans.

"The most important thing is the assessment. For example, in one district/city it was found that there were three orphans, so only those three will be assessed. The point is more to save and protect children," he said.

Alwi said there were several aspects that had been prepared. Like the psychological factor of a child, if they are traumatized and mentally shaken, the Social Service immediately provides assistance to provide understanding and education.

"If the child is having economic difficulties and cannot go to school, we will offer it maybe in our UPTD, we will take care of it," he said.