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Empatiku Foundation was a resource person for the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), Washington DC at the Symposium and Launch of the RISE Action Guide

The existence of the Empatiku Foundation in carrying out various activities to prevent violent extremism through social reintegration programs is increasingly recognized internationally.

On November 17 2023, USIP invited the Empatiku Foundation to be a resource person at a one-day international symposium while hosting the launch of the RISE (The Rehabilitation and Reintegration through Individual, Social and Structural Engagement) Action Guide.

This event featured panel discussions, interactive discussions and TED talks to introduce RISE content, which discusses the policy framework needed for rehabilitation and reintegration, with program approaches at the individual, social and structural levels that provide a comprehensive response to rehabilitation and reintegration.

Empatiku Foundation is represented by Dr. Margaretha Hanita, S.H.M.Si (board member) in a reflection session at the local level with other resource persons from various countries, namely Fatima Akilu, Ph.D. Executive Director, NEEM Foundation, Cholpon OrozobekovaDirector, Bulan Institute for Peace Innovations and Sarhang Harmasaeed, Director, Middle East Programs, U.S. Institute of Peace.

The discussion panel session was hosted live by Binalakshmi Nepram, Senior Advisor on Indigenous Issues, Religion and Inclusive Societies, USIP. In the panel, Margaretha Hanita shared the Empatiku Foundation’s experience in building community resilience in Indonesia to support social reintegration through community-based early detection activities.

There are 4 pillars of community resilience in this activity, the first is building awareness of the risks of violent extremism and developing the community’s ability to recognize early signs of violence. This first pillar is put into practice by the Empatiku Foundation together with community groups consisting of the women’s group, Majlis Taklim, RT, PKK, Karang Taruna and other groups in society in 3 sub-districts in Depok and Tangerang.

The second pillar is building a case management mechanism and building a data management system for discovered cases. To date, at least 40 cases have been recorded that were detected early and handled by the Tangguh Team which has been specially trained by the Empatiku Foundation to detect early signs of violence and carry out initial treatment. The third pillar is building social cohesion and the fourth pillar is policy support.

The principle of social reintegration carried out in this activity is to separate the action from the person who is the perpetrator. The acts of violence were not approved, but the perpetrators were not expelled from the community, but were instead allowed to be reintegrated into society through a restorative approach introduced by means of dialogue involving former terrorist convicts, deportees and their families, Thamrin bomb victims, community groups and even government officials such as village heads. , sub-district head, Babinsa and Bhabinkamtibmas.

The Empatiku activities shared in the panel were welcomed by USIP and the audience as lessons learned and best practice from Indonesia because they were very relevant to the action guidelines built in RISE. This Action Guide published by USIP provides a peace-building framework for local stakeholders, policy makers, funders and implementers to support the rehabilitation of people fleeing extremist violence as well as reintegration and reconciliation with local communities.

RISE is a prosocial, community-centered approach to rehabilitation and reintegration that draws on the principles of peacebuilding and public health. The primary goal of the RISE Action Guide is to encourage behavioral change that facilitates disengagement from, and resistance to, violence by lowering barriers and opening space for sustained, positive, and inclusive engagement between people divesting from extremist violence and members and institutions local community. The symposium event closed with a friendly gathering with all participants from various countries who also shared experiences in separate discussion sessions.

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Terrorism Is a Serious Crime, Not an Extraordinary Crime

Head of the Terrorism Study Program at the UI School of Strategic and Globalization Studies (SKSG), Muhamad Syauqillah said, the balance of human rights protection in the context of security is an interesting study. It is also necessary to see how the restrictions on ideology encourage the crime of terrorism.

“What kind of attitude does the state have so that (ideological restrictions, -ed) are not called the state committing human rights violations,” he said.

Likewise with civil liberties such as expressing opinions and beliefs, what is the right way to regulate this. In practice, there is uncertainty, for example regarding radical terrorism content on social media which cannot be taken down. For that it is important to regulate how the state behaves.

Another issue concerns Indonesian citizens going abroad to join terrorist networks. Then repatriation or repatriation is carried out. Syauqillah said the process of repatriation, reintegration and rehabilitation was difficult. One of the reasons is that the approach between interested parties does not yet have good synergy between ministries/agencies and civil society.

It is necessary to determine which institution is in charge of the return process as well as reintegration and rehabilitation. Syauqillah has not seen the government implement adequate instruments, both procedures and human resources who handle it. One of the important policies that needs to be issued by the government is a mechanism or procedure regarding the repatriation, reintegration and rehabilitation of children affiliated with terrorism.

The deradicalization program initiated by civil society is also not integrated with similar programs carried out by ministries/agencies. As a result, the program carried out by civil society has the potential to be closely monitored by intelligence and repressed. This happens because there is no deradicalization system that is integrated between state and non-state actors. Without intending to limit the work that has been carried out so far by civil society organizations, Syauqillah is pushing for a communication mechanism to be built between the government and civil society organizations in dealing with terrorism.

Source:

https://www. Hukumonline.com/berita/a/terrorism-merupakan-kejahatan-serius–bukan-kejahatan-luar-ordinary-lt64b50aa8d1895?page=all

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Online pre-workshop training Session: Women Build Peace: Southeast Asia Training of Trainers (ToT) Workshop on Women, Peace and Security (WPS)

The Global Network of Women Peacebuilders (GNWP) in collaboration with UN Women and supported by the Korean and Canadian Governments held a Training of Trainers workshop for members of civil society organizations on Women, Peace and Security (WPS).

The training was divided into two sessions, namely online and offline and was attended by Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia and the Philippines. Online training will be held on 27-28 June 2023. Ardhiana Fitriyani, or who is more familiarly called Pipit, became a representative for the Empatiku foundation to take part in the Training of Trainers (ToT). Pipit took part in an online workshop that discussed the concept of “Women, Peace and Security, Legal Framework and Several Challenging” in implementing this concept in their respective countries.

This workshop consisted of two sessions and was facilitated by Maricel Aguilar. The first session discussed ‘Introduction to Gender and Peace’ which included issues of gender and sex dichotomy, protection against gender-based discrimination and violence, and human security. Then, the second session talked about ‘Gender Issues and The Role of Social Institutions’ and its relation to the impact of a gender perspective in social institutions. It contains how the dimensions of gender, issues of patriarchy and transformative masculinity affect interpersonal, internal, institutional and ideological. The online workshop session was closed with a discussion on women’s rights and gender equality in Southeast Asia and the role of the government in each country in responding to this issue.

From these activities, the participants were able to map the challenges, opportunities and implementation of women’s issues and peace. Apart from that, it also discussed the efforts of each country to advocate for gender issues in peace building. Pipit also stated that from this workshop, he could increase his knowledge of the International Legal Framework (UNSC 1325) and the Regional Framework (ASEAN RAP on WPS) and reflect on the current legal framework in Indonesia.

This online workshop is the opening and introduction for the next workshop which will be held at Sequoia Hotel, Manila, Philippines on 3-6 July.

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Book Launching “Guide to Recognizing Early Warning Signs of Violent Extremism”

Empatiku Foundation – BNPT – UN WOMEN

“There is no handling without prevention, both are one unit”

On March 6, 2023, the Empatiku Foundation together with the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) and UN Women held the launch of the book ‘Guide to Recognizing Early Warning Signs of Violent Extremism’. The event was attended by 192 participants from various layers of stakeholders, civil society organizations and academics.

The book launch event was opened by singing the Indonesia Raya song, traditional dance performances and showing a video about community-based early detection systems in building community resilience. This video provides initial highlights on community resilience as seen from the four pillars; increased knowledge and ability to detect early warning signs, case handling mechanisms, social cohesion and legal basis.

After the opening, the event continued with a talk show and discussion. There were five speakers, namely Kombes Pol Ponco Ardani (Head of counter ideology, prevention directorate Densus 88), Dwi Rubiyanti, (WGWC steering committee and director of AMAN Indonesia), Devi Briliant (Tough Mekarjaya Team), Iman Santosa (Messager of Peace) and Annisa Noor Fadilah (Jakatarub Bandung young social activist). The speakers conveyed the various challenges and the important role of society in spreading the ideology of extremism, and shared their own experiences in efforts to fight against recruitment and radicalization by radical extremist groups. At the end of the talk show, the speakers conveyed their recommendations to stakeholders, civil society organizations and the community as a whole regarding the importance of preventing intolerance from developing into an understanding of radical extremism to terrorism and holistic cooperation between all parties.

After the opening and talkshow, the event continued with a short video showing the identification of early warning signs of violent extremism and the official launch of the book ‘Guide to Recognizing Early Warning Signs of Violent Extremism’. Mira Kusumarini as the founder and director of the Empatiku Foundation and Dwi Yuliawati Faiz, Head of the UN Women Indonesia Program, expressed their gratitude to all parties who had participated in making the book. Mrs. Dwi Yuliawati also conveyed the importance of involving women in prevention efforts. The BNPT, represented by Major General Nisan Setiadi, S.E, as deputy 1, also conveyed the urgency of public awareness and the importance of this guidebook which contains the basic principles of early detection of signs of violence-based extremism while also considering the issues of children and women. Furthermore, in order to broaden the dissemination of this book, Mr. Nisan has communicated with the FKPT Depok and Banten, one of which is regarding future follow-up plans. Finally, the event ended with a closing by the committee.

About the book ‘‘A Guide to Recognizing the Early Warning Signs of Violent Extremism’

This guidebook reviews what behaviors are important to recognize as early warning signs and what follow-up handling and prevention can be carried out by not only the government and non-governmental organizations but also society in general. So far, the prevention aspect of the issue of violence-based extremism has not been widely discussed and tends to focus on handling when acts of violence occur. One problem that also arises is the aspect of community resilience and sensitivity to the growth of ideologies that lead to violent extremism. This is one of the current factual challenges. Therefore, it is hoped that this guidebook will serve as a reference for all parties, including the entire community, to recognize early warning signs, including children and women who are starting to be ‘glanced at’ by radical extremist groups to be involved in their actions. Prevention is part of treatment and vice versa. Both become one unit so it is necessary to get the attention of various parties, including the community and stakeholders.

DOWNLOAD BOOK HERE!
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Field Stories Series #5

Kel. Jombang – Senin, 31 Agustus 2020
The Empatiku Team conducted training and simulation activities with the SITI Team in Jombang, South Tangerang. This activity was carried out on Monday, August 31, 2020. This activity was carried out with the aim of strengthening understanding of the SOP and case management flow, the main duties and functions and activity plans of each division.

After training and carrying out socialization activities in accordance with the follow-up plans made during the training, the meeting agenda that still needs to be carried out is to simulate SOPs and case management flows, so that each division understands its duties, including implementing administrative order, namely recording each process. Therefore, before conducting the simulation, discussion of the main duties and functions and work plans related to socialization and networking needs to be done again.

The meeting with the SITI Team of Jombang Village was started with lunch and continued with discussions

The simulation must be based on the current SOP and Protap. As a first step, to make it easier, there are several important things, namely early warning signs that lead to radicalism. Need to study and special observations of actions or activities in the community, and care among local residents, of course. The SITI team will report incidents which are considered to endanger radicalism.

Work Program and SITI Team’s main tasks and functions
The training has given birth to RTL but there is no work program for each division in detail considering the needs of each division. I explained that when viewed from the training flow it is necessary to make 3 work programs, namely:

1. Socialization (the person in charge is the education division)
2. Networked (Created by each division including the coordinator and its representatives)
3. Advocacy program (the person in charge is the chairman / coordinator)

Socialization
Socialization in the neighborhood has been carried out (RT and RW), up to the village level. Diforum – forums and other institutions, such as majelis taklim and others. At village meetings. This has something to do with networked work programs.

Networked
A healthy organization must be able to network with as many institutions as possible, either with government agencies, NGOs or individuals in order to make it easier to achieve goals and solutions to the problems at hand. Therefore, each division must create a work program related to networking.

The education division, for example, has a network with the head of the taklim assembly, the chairman of Rw or Rt, the recitation forum, the Youth Organization, PKK, Posyandu or others. The Remedial Division can network with community leaders, religious leaders, because when remedials do, community or religious leaders must become partners. When carrying out the dialogue, discussion or mediation process in the environment, it is necessary to look for influential people or people who are elders or respected by the reported group or the client when the case has been handled.

For referral case handling division, please network with Polsek, Koramil, P2TP2A, Puskesmas or any other institution that can facilitate teamwork. However, it should be noted that when a client is delegated as a referral case, the SITI team must continue to monitor it. For example, when a client is referred because he does not want to remedial or sign allegiance to the Republic of Indonesia, then the case needs to be monitored, to what extent the police can handle it. Therefore, when conducting socialization and networking, it is necessary to convey how the SITI team works so that it can be understood.

The Chief Coordinator or deputy coordinator also needs to think about networking with anyone so that the SITI Team becomes strong and can be independent

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Deportan/Returnee Assistance

Deportan / Returni Assistance: A Joint Learning Process for a Better Life

By Mega Priyanti, Field Officer Empatiku WGWC Zoom Discussion Facilitators are also Human: The Story Behind Rehabilitation and Reintegration Jakarta, 18 June 2020

The biggest motivation to be a companion is the human factor. Whatever the mistake, when they need help, they certainly have to be helped. Especially when they have realized their mistake and want to participate so that other people don’t experience what they feel. I mostly support women and children. You can imagine, when these mothers and children returned when their husbands became prisoners in prisons.

All problems rest on the shoulders of the wife when they really start things from scratch. Having no income, lost contact with family members, and must build a new life. Especially with children who have special needs, have health problems. Then what about the education of the children and their future. If no one accompanies and accompanies, what happens ??

In my opinion, providing assistance is a joint effort and process. How to understand the problems faced, see the needs and develop their potential so that in the future it can be better. To do all this, the first thing to do is build trust so that the process goes well.

As a process, of course there are ups and downs. Sometimes easy sometimes difficult. The most difficult thing is when helping to make ends meet, while the problems they face are many. Meanwhile, it is impossible for a companion or an institution to solve all problems without the help of other institutions.

For this reason, it is very important to build networks with many parties, for example with health institutions, educational institutions, social services, Disdukcapil, Vocational Training Centers, non-government organizations and others. There are times when an institution is easily invited to cooperate. But some are difficult and cannot. So have to keep looking. Besides that, another challenge is to build their mental and self-confidence. Because it is very difficult to return to activities in a society with a bad stigma as a terrorist. As a companion, it is not uncommon for them to receive bad treatment from the general public. Why would you want to work with people who have betrayed the state or are considered part of them (terrorists).

The bad treatment did not only come from the community or family, but also from the beneficiaries (deportants / returni) themselves. Refusal to be accompanied because they don’t have a problem. There are times when when they are visited, it turns out that they no longer live at that address or have moved house without giving their new address. This is often faced and makes assistants have to keep looking for gaps in order to enter, for example through the wife of a deportant / returni or a local RT. However, it must be done carefully so as not to cause new problems. For example, it makes people afraid because there are former deportants / returners in their area.

Deportants / returni who have received assistance are expected to change their ideology and truly love NKRI. The changes can be seen when they begin to communicate casually, talk heart to heart. When they began to be able to tell about the background of his “migration” to Syria. They also tell stories of regret and realize that what they have been thinking so far is wrong. They want to improve. We continue to exchange ideas as friends.

Through the mentoring process I studied at a university of life. Meet lots of people and learn each character. Seeing that every human being must have problems and need to fight for his life. Never give up and always be grateful. If you try there is always a solution. This changed my life. I can live a calmer and less demanding life. More respect for other people because in my job I need help from others.

During this process, of course I made mistakes. And my biggest mistake was to go too deep and intervene directly in the problems my people were facing. Actually, it is beyond my responsibility. This made my people dependent on me and turned off their creativity. I myself couldn’t eat and couldn’t sleep. Bring their problems in my family life. Husband and children were targeted. Now I have positioned myself as a companion and as a helpful friend. Not as an angel who can solve every problem.

Am I sure they (deportants / returni) whom I have assisted do not return to radical groups? There are honestly no guarantees. Even when you have signed a document of loyalty to the Republic of Indonesia, you cannot guarantee it. Many things affect. However, their involvement in program activities and conversations or chatting during the mentoring process can help the disengagement process (release) of radical groups.

Whatever I have done in this work, there is always a lesson to be learned. I realize that change is a long process. The mentoring process cannot be limited by the time the program runs. Assistance is also part of the humanizing process. Because every human being must have positive and negative sides. The key to the success of the mentoring process is the skill to empathize with our assistance.

Depok, 18 June 2020

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Field Stories Series #4

Kel. Kenanga, Selasa, 16 Juni 2020

The formation of the Kenanga Urban Village team, Kota Tangerang was different from other kelurahan. The complexity of the bureaucracy makes us have to keep looking for opportunities so that the program can run in Tangerang City. One opportunity was through Mas Faik when we had an audience at the Bakesbangpol office, Tangerang City. Mas Faik is a staff of Bakesbangpol at the Gempol District level. After discussing, we also scheduled a meeting for the formation of the Kenanga Village SITI team and carried out aid distribution activities for people affected by Covid 19. Notification to the Lurah was carried out by Mrs. Sri Handayani by telephone due to conditions that were not yet possible to directly.

On May 20, 2020, Mrs. Nday (Sri Handayani) and I came to see the Lurah. But suddenly the Lurah had to go to the District office so the meeting was canceled. Several times I contacted the village head via WA and telephone but it was not answered. Until finally Mrs. Nday and I came to the village on June 16 without making an appointment. At 6:00 am I left home hoping to arrive at the Kelurahan office and meet the Head of the Village before he left the office. But unfortunately, when he arrived, the village head had already left and none of his staff knew where he was going.

The formation of the Kenanga Urban Village team, Kota Tangerang was different from other kelurahan. The complexity of the bureaucracy makes us have to keep looking for opportunities so that the program can run in Tangerang City. One opportunity was through Mas Faik when we had an audience at the Bakesbangpol office, Tangerang City. Mas Faik is a staff of Bakesbangpol at the Gempol District level.

Mas Faik is a staff of Bakesbangpol at the Gempol District level. After discussing, we also scheduled a meeting for the formation of the Kenanga Village SITI team and carried out aid distribution activities for people affected by Covid 19. Notification to the Lurah was carried out by Mrs. Sri Handayani by telephone due to conditions that were not yet possible to directly.

On May 20, 2020, Mrs. Nday (Sri Handayani) and I came to see the Lurah. But suddenly the Lurah had to go to the District office so the meeting was canceled. Several times I contacted the village head via WA and telephone but it was not answered. Until finally Mrs. Nday and I came to the village on June 16 without making an appointment. At 6:00 am I left home hoping to arrive at the Kelurahan office and meet the Head of the Village before he left the office. But unfortunately, when he arrived, the village head had already left and none of his staff knew where he was going.

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Early Detection and Treatment to Prevent Radicalism

Monday, (20/7/2020), ATMNews.id, TANGSEL
Dozens of residents from three urban villages in Tangsel City participated in the training on the Early Detection and Handling of Violent Extremism (SITI) based on Village/Kelurahan at a hotel in North Serpong.

The training at the village level team was attended by Jombang, Benda Baru, and Pondok Kacang Timur Villages for three days. Director of C-Save Ichsan Malik said the SITI phase II program was implemented in 16 villages / sub-districts in 4 provinces, East Java, Central Java, Banten, and also West Java. “Its main mission is to prevent the spread of an ideology of radicalism based on extreme violence in society,” he said.

“We hope that during these 3 days the participants will all participate actively. We will also prepare resource persons and carry out an effective dialogue, ” he said. He warned that it is necessary to pay attention to the Covid-19 pandemic situation. “We sincerely ask the participants for their respective health according to the Covid-19 health protocol,” he hoped.

Asda 1 Tangsel City Government Rahmat Salam said the Tangsel City Government was enthusiastic about this training because residents were taught to detect everything related to radicalism early.

“So, basically you are like intel, unknown but with a silent operation but can report and search to C-Save. However, this is part of protecting the Republic of Indonesia, ” he said.

Rahmat Salam said, as a defender of the capital and very fertile (terrorist elements) as well as many experiences suddenly Densus 88 arrested suspected terrorists.

“Therefore, this is very good, this institution trains urban villages to increase their awareness. They care more, and what they want, if there is something strange, report it to the urban village security so that it will be detected more, ” he added. (Sugeng).

Source: https://atmnews.id/banten/cegah-radikalisme-puluhan-warga-tangsel-diajari-sistem-deteksi-dan-penanganan-dini-radikalisme/

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Field Stories Series #3

Kel. Jombang – Friday, 5 Juni 2020

The Covid 19 pandemic that has hit almost all over the world including Indonesia has made very significant changes. Routine activities at both the community and village level were eliminated. Except for activities related to Covid 19 and public services at the Kelurahan office. The activities of Pos Yandu, PKK, recitation were temporarily stopped as well as worship activities in mosques such as Friday Prayers in congregation, Taraweh and Eid Al-Fitr prayers.

Pak Rifki Aprilian, Secretary of the Benda Baru Village, said that currently people in the Kelurahan are tired of this situation. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Kelurahan has sprayed disinfectants throughout the region, socialized about Covid 19 and urged the public to live clean and stay at home to avoid Covid 19.

Next, collect data and distribute social assistance to people affected by Covid 19. Many problems arise, including:

  1. Assistance comes without coordination with the kelurahan and arrives at inappropriate times, such as midnight, during the day during the fasting month, or at night Takbiran
  2. There are no operational costs for aid distribution
  3. The amount of aid does not match the number of recipients
  4. The community protested because the aid was not evenly distributed, and the rice was of poor quality (Pak Sodikin said that the rice from Empatiku was of good quality)
  5. RT or RW must think creatively so that the assistance is distributed evenly, for example by repacking and reducing the amount of aid so that more recipients will minimize disturbance in the community.

After listening to complaints related to Social Assistance, I asked about other issues that were developing in the community. Pak Sodikin conveyed that there was an issue raised that the current government was a Kafir government because it prohibited people from worshiping. In the Benda Baru area, many people continue to pray in congregation at the prayer room or mosque. It’s just that the congregation is the closest resident and does not use loudspeakers.

Pak Sri, Binamaspol Benda Baru, PAMULANG POLSEK, added that the community continued to worship in congregation. They feel that the ban is only an appeal. Religion is a matter of the hereafter while government is a world affair. Many families “broke up” and ended up becoming enemies because of this problem. The police, through BIN, only monitor and do not prohibit them from keeping their distance and wearing masks.

I asked Mrs. Maryanih, what about majelis taklim? Mrs. Maryanih explained, since the Covid 19 pandemic, majelis taklim has stopped its activities. Usually 20-30 mothers attend majelis taklim activities. The material presented was about the procedures for reading the Qur’an, worship such as prayer, fasting, Zakat, including about family, which usually discusses how to be a good wife. Never discussed anything related to radicalism. The Taklim Council for mothers and fathers has separate activities.

After discussing social assistance and developing issues in the Benda Baru area, we discussed the SK SITI village team. I gave an example of the Kelurahan Decree that has been discussed by the Management of Empatiku. Pak Rifki agreed with the urban village decree draft that we gave, and would discuss it with the village head but asked for time because this week the Social Assistance will be coming again to be distributed immediately.

Pak Sodikin, the SITI Team Coordinator, said that there was a change in the names of the kelurahan team members because some people became KPPS members so they could not be active in the SITI Kelurahan team. Rifki will immediately send the fixed names to be followed up in the SK later.

It was getting late, we said goodbye. Before saying goodbye, Pak Rifki advised that the training should be in a relaxed place while being able to refresh.

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Donations for People Affected by Covid 19

Since the announcement of the Covid 19 case in early March 2020, its spread has continued to increase, raequiring the government to adopt PSBB policies in various regions, as a step to break the chain of transmission. This decision, of course, has a huge impact on the economy, especially for the lower classes of society such as laborers, daily workers, small shops, etc.

Meanwhile, women are the most vulnerable group. When all the members of the family gather at home, there is more domestic work and traditionally women are responsible for doing it. In addition, women will also try to make ends meet for their families when their husbands can no longer earn a living. With all their abilities and creativity, women sell food online, sew masks, start farming for food security, etc. So that many women have a double burden.

Seeing this condition, both the central and local governments have anticipated providing social assistance in the form of cash and basic necessities, but the process takes time, from data collection to distribution of aid. In a situation like this, with the increasing number of problems and victims, society cannot depend 100% on the government. Cooperation and mutual help from various parties are needed.

The Empatiku Foundation, with all its limitations, of course cannot remain silent. On May 18, 2020, in coordination with the sub-districts of the working area, contributed to helping residents affected by Covid 19. Assistance in the form of 50 packages of rice @ 5kg and 100 masks were added to the aid containing cooking oil and sugar which was distributed by the Kelurahan Benda Baru District. Pamulang, South Tangerang City. Other villages, namely Pondok Kacang Timur Village, Pondok Aren District, South Tangerang and Jombang Village, Ciputat District, Tangsel City, were given assistance in the form of 50 packages @ 5kg of rice and 100 masks. Furthermore, Empatiku also provided assistance in the form of 50 packages of rice @ 5kg and sugar @ 1 kg and 100 masks to Kenanga Village, Cipondoh District, Tangerang City.

The assistance provided was not large but felt very beneficial by the residents

“Thank you, this assistance is very useful, many residents here work as factory workers who have been laid off. Until now, government assistance has not arrived, while the data we have submitted, as a result we are being chased every day by residents who need help. With the rice aid from Empatiku, it makes us excited again to work to help the victims while waiting for social assistance from the government to come, ” said Mrs. Sri Handayani, the head of the Kenanga Urban Village Community Social Worker

“Bu Mega know, I distributed the rice at noon, I forgot to take a photo for documentation, at night I returned again, for a photo, it turned out that the rice had already been opened. Sorry Mother, I want to cook, there is no rice, I waited for my husband not to come home, so I opened the rice from Mother. Sad Mother, I don’t have rice. “ That’s the story of Mrs. Sri Maryati from Pondok Kacang Timur

“Thank you, we really appreciate the concern of the Empatiku Foundation, not how much assistance is given, but goodwill and sincerity, that’s what we see.” This opinion was conveyed by Pak Iwan and Ustadz Komarudin from the Jombang village

Of course there are many other touching stories that happened when the aid was distributed. Togetherness and contributions from all walks of life are needed in dealing with this extraordinary situation. Hopefully the Covid 19 Pandemic can be resolved soon so that life can return to normal.

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