Hence, we continue to ensure fulfilling children's rights.
Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Social Affairs Ministry has reached out to orphans, including children who have lost their parents due to COVID-19, through the Child Social Rehabilitation Assistance (ATENSI) Program.

The program includes fulfillment of children's rights for a decent life, accessibility support, social care and/or child nurture, social and psychological therapy, social assistance, support for the family, as well as vocational and entrepreneurship training.

"I will ensure that orphans will be assisted through the Child ATENSI Program. We do not only provide support for their physical needs, but also their psychosocial needs, caregiving, and the continuation of their education," Social Affairs Minister Tri Rismaharini said here on Tuesday.

"Currently, we are preparing our Social Rehabilitation Centers and Technical Implementation Units to become protecting shelters for children and families of COVID-19 victims," she informed.

The program is targeting children who have lost their parents due to the COVID-19 pandemic, orphans looked after by the Child Welfare Institution (LKSA), and children from underprivileged families, the minister said.

Related news: Govt taking care of Indonesian children orphaned by COVID-19

According to data collected by the Next Generation Social Welfare Information System Application from 3,914 LKSAs, the institutions currently have 191,696 children under their care.

“The situation experienced by the orphans certainly is not easy to go through. Hence, we continue to ensure fulfilling children's rights," the minister added.

The program is targeting 4,043,622 children -- 20 thousand children who have lost their parents due to COVID-19; 45 thousand children under LKSAs’ care; and 3,978,622 children raised by underprivileged families, she informed.

Meanwhile, the budget needed for the program is around Rp3.2 trillion, Rismaharini said. Hence, the ministry will discuss the fund provision with the Finance Ministry and the National Development Planning Board, she added.

The ministry is also cooperating with other ministries and agencies as well as local governments to provide assistance to children who have lost their parents, she said. The assistance is being given according to their needs, she added.

Related news: Social Affairs Minister Rismaharini readies social aid for orphans

Translator: Devi Ramadhan, Uyu Liman
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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