Since the Indonesian government announced the first case of COVID-19 early in 2020, large-scale social restrictions have been implemented in all 34 Indonesian provinces. These mandated people to continue their activities from home; only a few fields of work were able to continue.
In West Java and Central Kalimantan, where economic development and living standards are well l below that of the national capital, almost 50% of the population live below the poverty line and have limited access to health and education.
In everyday life, most people work for daily wages. Even before the pandemic, they were already struggling to provide food for their family.
The COVID restrictions cost many their jobs and their daily source of income. This unprecedented and dire financial situation and existing health issues continues to haunt many families.
Beneficiary’s Testimonial
Mr Ruslan
75 Years Old
“Thank you very much everyone at Dharma Care. I am really grateful that for 4 months I received food packages for free. Since I am retired, I don’t have any income anymore and with these food packets, my wife and I have enough food reservess. I hope everyone at Dharma Care always remain safe and healthy.”
Dharma Care has been supporting the rural poor in Cipanas, West Java, through its health program since 2017. We were therefore in a very good position to work with our very experienced partners there, Yayasan Usaha Mulia (YUM – https://www.yumindonesia.org/) in rolling out relief packages to these vulnerable people who were facing starvation.
YUM was established in 1976 and in 2019 provided support to 24,000 people. YUM is a fellow associate member of the Susila Dharma International Association (SDIA – https://susiladharma.org/), a network of associate member projects from 24 countries.
SDIA has consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) & the U.N. Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and is affiliated with the UN Department of Public Information. In Jan 2019, SDIA was placed 282 in Top 500 NGOs list compiled by NGO Advisor.
The COVID-19 relief packages included informational leaflets on COVID-19 prevention, masks, soaps, and food packages. Together with support from other donors, these packages have been distributed to more than 3,000 families.
If you would like to make a tax-deductible contribution to support these hard-working but desperate people, you can donate through our website: dharmacare.org.au/yayasan-usaha-mulia/