Government Ensures Needs of Sayuti Melik's Son Are Met
Jakarta, VIVA – Deputy Minister of Social Affairs Agus Jabo Priyono has responded swiftly to the viral story of Heru Baskoro (84), son of Sayuti Melik, the typist of the proclamation text, who had been living in hardship, by providing comprehensive assistance.
The Deputy Minister spoke directly with Heru and his wife, Treyzia Noviani (65), at the Pangudi Luhur Integrated Centre (STPL) in Bekasi City, where they are receiving residential assistance, medical rehabilitation and psychosocial support.
The couple, he said, had been evacuated from their rented house in Rawalumbu, Bekasi City, since Monday, 13 July 2026. This was stated when Deputy Minister Agus Jabo Priyono, representing Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf, visited Heru in person at the STPL rehabilitation centre in Bekasi.
“For the time being, Mr Heru and his wife are staying here; there will be medical and psychosocial assistance, so if Mr Heru needs anything he can tell the staff here, and there is a doctor here too,” Agus Jabo said in a statement on Friday, 17 July 2026.
He said the couple’s daily needs would also be met. The Deputy Minister also took the time to check the services provided by the STPL to the couple.
In addition, the Deputy Minister offered motivation and encouragement to Heru and his wife, assuring them that the Ministry of Social Affairs would act as a bridge between the relevant parties and the family to ensure the best possible care for Heru.
He explained that Heru had previously lived quite comfortably, as from 1998 to 2024 he and his wife lived in Canada. He supported himself by working as a senior staff member at an oil company, holding permanent resident status in the United States.
His fortunes changed after he decided to return to Indonesia in 2024. Heru developed problems with his right eye, suffering deteriorating vision, and travelled back and forth between Indonesia and Canada for treatment.
After six months in Indonesia, Heru’s pension could no longer be paid. This left Heru and his wife in financial difficulty, forcing them to sell all their assets.
The Ministry of Social Affairs, he said, will coordinate with relevant parties such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Indonesian Embassy and the Ministry of Health regarding Heru’s pension and his medical care, as he needs to undergo a cornea operation.