Good News Bro! Grandmother Sumirah, Who Went Viral To Make Surabaya Walkot Eri Cahyadi Angry With Subordinates, Got Help

Sumirah's grandmother who never received assistance from the Surabaya City Government (AM Sby/VOI)

SURABAYA - Good news comes from the city of Surabaya, East Java. Grandma Sumirah who lives alone can now breathe a little easier. Sumirah received assistance from the Surabaya City Government.

The incident of Sumirah's grandmother, who was never touched by aid, angered the Mayor of Surabaya, Eri Cahyadi. Mayor Eri Cahyadi couldn't help but think that his subordinates didn't know the condition of the people of Surabaya who had not been touched by the aid.

"Since August 24, 2021, we have received reports regarding Grandma Sumirah, since the report came in, our officers and the local TKSK visited Mrs. Sumirah's residence," said the Surabaya City Social Service Office, Thursday, August 26.

The Surabaya City Social Service confirmed that it had carried out data collection. Grandma Sumirah was also given basic food assistance.

"Furthermore, a proposal is made into the Low-Income Community (MBR) data. After the proposal process and coordination with the sub-district of the Sukamanunggal area, Mrs. Sumirah has received the Surabaya City Food intervention. An approach was also made to Mrs. Sumirah so that she would be treated and stay at the UPTD Griya Werdha," continued the statement from the Surabaya Social Service.

Grandma Sumirah's Story

Grandmother Sumirah, a resident of Simo Jawar 1, Sukamanunggal District, Surabaya City, suddenly went viral on social media.

The 89-year-old grandmother never received the attention of the Surabaya City Government, even long before the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Starting from corona even before corona, I never received any help, son. I swear to God, son, never," said Sumirah, when met at her home, Thursday, August 26.

Sumirah admitted that she received assistance for the last time in the era of the 6th President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (SBY). At that time he often received assistance, either in the form of groceries or cash.

"I received the last aid since Pak SBY's time. After that, until now, I have never received any more assistance," he said.

Sumirah has lived alone in a boarding house measuring 2x3 meters for 32 years. She was only accompanied by two cats after her husband died in 2006. Since then Sumirah has had to work hard in order to survive.

"Before, I had the opportunity to take care of small children, but now I can't stand it anymore because I'm old. Now it's just a massage, if someone calls," he said.

Sumirah admits that she does not charge a massage fee, or sincerely, no matter how much she receives from her customers as well as taking care of small children. Sometimes he gets an honorarium of Rp. 30 to Rp. 50,000 for a massage and babysitting.

Sumirah's grandmother who never received assistance from the Surabaya City Government (AM Sby/VOI)

Sumirah said she was sad, she had never received attention from the Surabaya City Government, whether it was in the form of basic necessities or cash. So far he has lived as he is, occasionally getting the mercy of the neighbors around him.

Even to pay rent for a boarding house, he admits that he occasionally sells snacks, such as chips and instant noodles. He admitted that he did not have enough money to buy food.

"But Alhamdulillah, the results of massages and selling snacks and the help of benefactors, can make a day-to-day meal and pay a cost of Rp. 250,000 per month," he said.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, both during the PSBB and the current PPKM, he bit his finger when he saw that his neighbors received assistance from the government. In fact, Sumirah has already applied, either through the RT/RW, Kelurahan to the local sub-district. But without success, and do not know the detailed reasons why he never got the help.

"Never, I've never received help. I've asked the RT/RW, they said there was no quota, they told me that," he said.

Sadly, Sumirah admits that she has never been recorded by the Kelurahan, Subdistrict, or other Surabaya City Government officials. Even though Sumirah admitted that she had submitted the required documents, such as photocopies of ID cards, family cards, to SKTM. However, still not getting help.

"Have you ever asked Mr. RT, how come I haven't received any help, sir?

Sumirah then questioned, what exactly made her never get help. In fact, the required data has been submitted to the relevant parties. Starting from food, PKH, to social assistance that should have been obtained, it was nothing.

"I once said to the RT RW, 'Sir, I want to ask, am I a homeless person? Why haven't I been recorded?' Then I was asked for another ID card, but just like that, there was no news," he said.