Free Circumcision Programme by the Ministry of Social Affairs Assists Underprivileged Children in Bekasi
The Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos) through the Pangudi Luhur Bekasi Integrated Centre, held a free circumcision programme for children from underprivileged families. The activity took place at the Bhakti Husada Cikarang Hospital, Bekasi Regency.
A total of 10 beneficiary children participated in the activity. Since early in the morning, the children were seen waiting patiently for their turn. Their faces showed a mixture of tension and excitement as they approached the circumcision process.
After the circumcision, each child received a package containing snacks, a prayer mat, a sarong, a peci (traditional Indonesian cap), a drawstring bag, medicines, and toys. This free circumcision programme is part of the Ministry of Social Affairs’ commitment to expanding access to basic healthcare services while also alleviating the economic burden on underprivileged families.
Through this activity, the state is present to ensure that every child continues to receive their right to safe, decent, and affordable healthcare services.
Behind this activity, there is a touching story from one of the beneficiary parents, Jihad (25), who accompanied his second son, A (5).
Jihad recounted that when his late husband was still alive, he often experienced domestic violence. It started with verbal abuse, physical violence, and treatment that hurt him and his children. After his husband’s death, he had to struggle alone to meet the needs of his small family.
Not only that, his eldest son, J, also experienced bullying since the age of five in his learning environment. J was once tied up by his friends and suffered a head injury. The trauma he experienced made J almost drop out of school because of fear.
The bullying against Jihad’s two children did not only come from peers, but also from the surrounding environment. They were often ridiculed for not having a father. This condition left a deep emotional scar and affected the psychological condition of J and A. As a result, both children now prefer to stay at home and are reluctant to play with their peers.
“If I am scolded, I can only be patient. I am a poor person, a struggling person, what else can I do,” said Jihad, in a written statement, Thursday (26/2/2026).
Even though he lives in limited circumstances, Jihad continues to try to give the best for his children. To meet their daily needs, he sells fried snacks around the neighbourhood.
When he received information about the free circumcision programme, Jihad immediately registered his son. He said he was very grateful for the programme.
“I am very happy, because I am a poor person, thank you very much, I am very grateful,” he added.
This activity is not only a healthcare service for children, but also a moment of reflection that there are still many families struggling in silence. Children deserve to grow up in a safe and comfortable environment.