The Covid-19 pandemic, which has been going on for almost two years, has claimed many lives. Many children have become orphans, orphans, or orphans because their parents died due to Covid-19. According to data released from the government (https://covid19.go.id), as of January 6, 2022, it shows that the death toll from Covid-19 has reached 144,116 people. According to data submitted by the Ministry of Social Affairs at the end of September 2021, there were as many as 30,766 children who became orphans, orphans, and orphans due to Covid-19.
In response to this, as many as 9 orphans of COVID-19 victims aged from 4 to 14 years in Bantul, Yogjakarta received compensation and were appointed as foster children by Member of the Presidential Advisory Council, Muhamad Mardiono. The donation in the form of assistance in paying the needs and school fees of the orphans is carried out until they can complete their high school education (SMA). This was done by Mardiono during his working visit to Bantul, Yogyakarta on Saturday (08/01/2022).
Mardiono explained that as a member of the Presidential Advisory Council in charge of the task of people’s welfare (Kesra) and following up on the President’s direction on 7 December 2020, Mardiono was asked to be able to carry out dialogue and absorb the aspirations of the community directly in order to provide advice and considerations to the President regarding community economic empowerment and improving people’s welfare.
Mardiono said that the assistance provided was a form of our concern for children who were victims of COVID-19. Mardiono advised the orphans not to be sad and discouraged, to keep the spirit and keep studying hard to achieve their goals.
Mardiono also invites the community to continue to improve mutual cooperation and help others. Mardiono explained that the support of the government and the surrounding community is important for mental strengthening and enthusiasm for life for children who were abandoned by their parents at an early age. Mardiono also encouraged the public to report to local government officials to ensure that orphaned children who were victims of COVID-19 received assistance and care according to their rights. “Children have the same right to live and be happy, so it is our responsibility to synergize and support each other to ensure they grow up to be superior generations in the future,” said Mardiono.
“Our young generation is the nation’s successor, future leaders. Therefore we need to pay attention to their future. Caring for the environment, sharing with those in need to be able to lighten the burden, are our collective steps to strengthen social resilience in the community. The government will continue to be present to help victims and children who have become orphans due to Covid-19 through various aid schemes,” said Mardiono.
