Mother With ASN Status In Bengkulu Makes Her Daughter A PSK, Commission II Believes This Is Not Just An Economic Problem

Illustration of commercial sex workers undergoing prostitution. (Pixabay)

JAKARTA - Commission II is furious by the actions of the State Civil Apparatus (ASN) in the South Bengkulu Regency Government which has the heart to sell its biological child to a masher.

"This incident is a disaster, a mother has the heart to sell her biological child as a prostitute because she is hit by economic problems. It is very sad. The root of the problem needs to be traced, how personal the perpetrator is," said Member of Commission II DPR RI Mardani Ali Sera, Monday 26 June.

"If the problem is psychological or moral problems, there must be treatment or therapy. Of course, it will continue with law enforcement," he added.

It is known, TS (42) is a mother who works as an ASN for the South Bengkulu Regency Government to sell her own biological child for prostitution services. In fact, the prostitution service has been carried out in her own home since the last year.

From the results of the examination, TS admitted that his income as an ASN was no longer sufficient for needs. He then had the heart to peddle his 22-year-old daughter as a commercial sex worker (PSK).

Using social media networks, TS who is a widow sells her child at a rate of Rp. 250 thousand to Rp. 300 thousand for one date. TS made a profit of Rp. 100,000-Rp. 150,000 from one transaction.

"We need to see what the salary structure looks like. But this case is also a portrait of our country's problems. We are not free from poverty problems, even at the ASN level," said Mardani.

"This means that something is wrong with our system, and it must be improved. In general, it is necessary to arrange the components of ASN salaries and the amount," he added.

Until now, the South Bengkulu Regency Government has not imposed sanctions on ASN who sold their children because the local HR Personnel and Development Agency (BKPSDM) admitted that it had not received an official report regarding the incident.

"Whatever the reason, there is no justification for prostitution. Even because of economic problems, selling biological children as prostitutes is highly intolerable. There must be strict sanctions," said Mardani.

This legislator from the DKI Jakarta electoral district I asked the South Bengkulu Regency Government to make improvements in their work environment. According to Mardani, there are insensitivity factors that participate in the incident.

"There should be sensitivity, whether from fellow co-workers or leaders of the perpetrators. Must look for what is wrong until an ASN is forced to make additional money by selling the child," he said.

Mardani said that humanist approaches need to be made in every government work environment. Because if ASN's personal problems cannot be found a solution, then the impact will also affect the performance of the work.

"There must be a process of picking up the ball in cases like this. It may also be necessary to carry out periodic psychological tests on every government employee. This aims to make arrangements for the government administration system cleaner, more effective, and efficient," said Mardani.

"The periodic psychological tests aim to prevent unlawful acts and ensure that those in charge of the public sector have a stable mental condition and good mental health," he continued.

With periodic psychological tests, said Mardani, mental and psychological problems that ASN may have can be detected earlier. So that appropriate precautions can be taken before the problem develops into something more serious.

"This test can include measurements of stress levels, emotional intelligence, emotional stability, honesty, and the ability to communicate and adapt in demanding situations," explained Mardani.

The member of the Commission in the DPR in charge of government affairs is also aware that the higher cost of living and the current economic challenges faced by the community do not only affect them in the private sector. Mardani said that economic problems are also faced by many ASN who have a responsibility in serving the public.

"By improving their qualifications, ASN can have better opportunities to get promotions or additional job opportunities that can increase their income," added Mardani.

Mardani also highlighted that economic pressure could have a negative impact on ASN's mental well-being. Therefore, it is important to provide easy access to counseling and psychological support services.

"ASNs must feel supported and have a place to share their concerns about finances and workloads," he concluded.