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, Peterongan Sub-district, Jombang Regency, on Saturday (4 July). In another corner, a number of people with disabilities were seen diligently weaving bags, while others processed coconut fibres into brooms ready for sale.
These products are not merely ordinary handicrafts. They are tangible proof that, given opportunity, guidance and trust, limitations can be transformed into works of economic value.
This scene was witnessed first-hand by Fatma Saifullah Yusuf, Adviser to the Dharma Wanita Persatuan (DWP) of the Ministry of Social Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia. Fatma visited each production table, greeted the beneficiaries, and injected motivation into the accompanying families.
One of the points Fatma visited was the Mergo Waras Mental Health Post (Poskeswa) run by the Dukuhklopo Community Health Centre. Together with the Mantap Jiwa Poskeswa in Sumobito Sub-district, this facility serves as an inclusive space for people with psychosocial disabilities. Here, they receive social rehabilitation, therapy, skills training, and support for independent business ventures.
At this facility, they are no longer referred to by rigid clinical labels, but rather as ‘the beloved ones’—an acronym for Terabaikan Kasih Sayang di Saat Jiwanya Goyang (‘Neglected of Affection When Their Minds Waver’).
“For me, that term reminds us all that everyone needs affection, attention and acceptance, especially when facing difficult times in their lives,” said Fatma in a written statement on Saturday (11 July 2026).
Fatma stressed that the meaning must not stop at a mere nickname. The term serves as a reminder to the public that no citizen should be neglected simply because of their mental health condition or disability.
“They are an integral part of society with 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 support, and economic empowerment.
As a concrete form of support, the Ministry of Social Affairs’ DWP, together with the Prof. Dr. Soeharso Surakarta Integrated Centre, distributed ATENSI assistance totalling Rp82,496,521 to 22 beneficiaries (21 people with disabilities and one vulnerable group).
The details of the assistance distributed include accessibility aids in the form of 2 standard wheelchairs, 1 adaptive wheelchair (for people with cerebral palsy), and 4 adaptive bicycles.
In addition, entrepreneurial assistance was provided to 15 beneficiaries. The business capital was tailored to each individual’s potential, ranging from tyre puncture repair services, food stalls and coffee shops, salted egg production, macrame bag crafts, furniture and jaranan crafts, to clothing sales.
“Do not regard this assistance as an end goal. Let it be a spark of spirit to keep moving towards independence and an improved quality of life,” said Fatma.
Beyond the handover of assistance and the inspection of production spaces, the series of social service activities also provided free health examination services, accessed by around 100 participants, including Posyandu cadres.
Also present at the DWP of the Ministry of Social Affairs’ social service event with the Prof. Dr. Soeharso Surakarta Integrated Centre were the Adviser and Chair of the Jombang Regency DWP, the Head of the Social Affairs Office, the Head of the Health Office, officials from the Jombang Regency Government, and representatives of the Ministry of Social Affairs. This collaboration between central government, regional government, health facilities, and the community is key to opening up space for vulnerable groups to rise and become empowered.