Social Ministry's DWP Supports 'The Beloved' in Jombang Through ATENSI Programme

The savoury aroma of freshly cooked salted eggs filled the empowerment room at the Dukuhklopo Village Hall in Peterongan District, Jombang Regency, on Saturday (4/7). In another corner, a number of people with disabilities were diligently weaving bags, while others processed coconut fibre into brooms ready for sale. These products are not just ordinary handicrafts; they are tangible proof that with opportunity, mentoring, and trust, limitations can be transformed into economically valuable creations. This scene was witnessed directly by the Advisor to the Dharma Wanita Persatuan (DWP) of the Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs, Fatma Saifullah Yusuf. Fatma visited each production table, greeted the beneficiaries, and injected motivation into their accompanying families. One of the points visited was the Mergo Waras Mental Health Post (Poskeswa), fostered by the Dukuhklopo Community Health Centre. Together with the Mantap Jiwa Poskeswa in Sumobito District, this facility serves as an inclusive space for people with psychosocial disabilities. Here, they receive social rehabilitation, therapy, skills training, and mentoring for independent businesses. In this place, they are no longer referred to by rigid clinical labels, but as ‘para tersayang’ (the beloved) – an acronym for ‘Terabaikan Kasih Sayang di Saat Jiwanya Goyang’ (neglected of affection when their soul is shaken). ‘For me, that term reminds us all that every person needs love, attention, and acceptance, especially when facing difficult times in their lives,’ Fatma said in a written statement on Saturday (11/7/2026). Fatma stressed that the meaning should not stop at just a nickname. The term serves as a reminder to the public that no citizen should be neglected because of their mental health condition or disability. ‘They are an integral part of society who have equal rights to work, learn, create, and live with dignity,’ she added. Fatma expressed pride that the recovery process at the Poskeswa goes beyond medical treatment. Through the Social Rehabilitation Assistance (ATENSI) programme, the Ministry of Social Affairs integrates the fulfilment of basic needs, therapy, entrepreneurial assistance, and economic empowerment. As a form of concrete support, the Ministry’s DWP, together with the Prof. Dr. Soeharso Integrated Centre in Surakarta, distributed ATENSI aid totalling Rp82,496,521 to 22 beneficiaries (21 persons with disabilities and 1 vulnerable individual). The assistance included accessibility aids such as two standard wheelchairs, one adaptive wheelchair for a person with cerebral palsy, and four adaptive bicycles. Additionally, entrepreneurial support was provided to 15 beneficiaries, with business capital tailored to their respective potentials, including a tyre repair shop, food stalls, salted egg production, macrame bag crafts, furniture and traditional dance horse businesses, and clothing sales. ‘Do not view this assistance as the final goal. Make it a spark of enthusiasm to continue moving towards independence and an improved quality of life,’ Fatma said. In addition to the aid handover and production space review, the social service event also provided free health check-ups accessed by around 100 participants, including Posyandu cadres.