The assistance was part of the additional funds amounting to Rp11 trillion requested recently by the ministry and approved by Commission VIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR RI), the Social Affairs Ministry noted in a statement here on Friday.
Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini stated that in the 2022 Fiscal Year, the ministry had listed 4,023,622 child orphans, who will receive assistance.
They include 45 thousand children under the care of the Social Welfare Institution. Some four thousand of the 45 thousand orphans do not attend school, while 41 thousand others attend school.
Moreover, the ministry assists orphans, who are in the care of underprivileged families, comprising 1,312,946 that do not attend school, and 2,665,676 others that attend school.
Earlier, the ministry had also provided assistance to children whose parents had died of COVID-19.
"Orphans have experienced a difficult situation that is certainly not easy for them to go through. Hence, the Ministry of Social Affairs continues to ensure that the children's rights are fulfilled," the minister stated.
The Ministry of Social Affairs has readied shelters for children whose parents had died of COVID-19 .
Minister Tri Rismaharini and her staff steadfastly provide reinforcement and motivation to the orphans.
Member of Commission VIll of DPR RI Samsu Niang lauded the policy of providing assistance to orphans through the ATENSI Program.
"When it comes to orphans, it should be approved immediately. This is because the purpose of this program is very noble," he affirmed.
Commissioner Jasra Putra of the Indonesian Child Protection Commission (KPAI) expressed his support to the Ministry of Social's Affairs ATENSI Program.
"If this program is right on target, then there will be many short- and long-term impacts on children's growth and development," he remarked.
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Translator: Devi NSR, Fardah
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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