Empower Ex-ODGJ to Return to Work

Occasionally, Siti's smile widens. She feels happy to be able to participate in the batik-making process. It's a new activity outside of her usual routines.

Usually, this teenage girl helps people sell snacks in front of the kindergarten school in the area where she lives in Wonorejo Village, Singosari District, Regency. Malang, East Java.

"Yes, I enjoy (making batik)," he said to Kompas, Tuesday (23/4/2024), at Posyandu Jiwa-Gerakan Peduli Sehat Jiwa (Gardu Sawah), West Blandit Hamlet, Wonorejo.

Siti gathered with several survivors of people with mental disorders (ODGJ) from the local village. They attended a social responsibility event by the intellectual property platform mebiso.com in collaboration with Gardu Sawah and Dr Radjiman Wediodiningrat Lawang Mental Hospital (RSJ).

Also present were, among others, several students from Malang State University, the village government, the Ardimulyo Health Center, and the International Mental Health Cooperation and Training Center (IMHCTC) Taiwan.

So far there are at least 20 people who use the Jiwa Posyandu which is located on the side of the village road in the sugar cane plantation area. They are local residents who previously experienced mental health disorders.

In addition to undergoing monthly routine therapy, since 2018, they have also participated in empowerment activities. At least five products have been produced together with the community, such as feather dusters, mats, sandals, and brooches made from scrap fabric. They have also recently developed a new skill in batik.

The mental health post was built on the initiative of the Wonorejo Village Government to address residents with mental health problems. Initially, the activity was carried out in the homes of residents. Since 2016, a new building has been built on village funds worth IDR 194.5 million. The building is also referred to as the only mental health post initiated by the village.

The secretary of the mental health clinic, Siti Aminah (47), stated that empowerment can not only help survivors but also their families economically. It is understandable, as some survivors come from less privileged economic backgrounds.

As for skills, empowerment activities can make them more independent so that in the end it will have an impact on their individual health.

Regarding product marketing, Aminah admitted that so far they have only received orders, including through online platforms. "If there are any difficulties, it lies in the raw materials. Fortunately, yesterday there was assistance from a foundation and social services," she said.

The existence of posyandu holds a special meaning for the community. Before posyandu existed, some residents preferred traditional healers for treatment. However, this is no longer the case now. They now directly communicate with healthcare workers.

Posyandu Jiwa collaborates with the local health center and the RSJ dr. Radjiman Wediodiningrat. In addition to active survivors who come, program handlers and village nurses still visit homes to provide treatment to other patients.

Thank God, I am now free from shackles. With this mental health posyandu, some people have recovered.

Head of the Planning Affairs of Wonorejo Village, Iin Farikhin, stated that the number of people with mental disorders (ODGJ) in his area is quite high, reaching 40 people. However, currently the conditions are free from restraints. The last time someone was restrained was in 2016 with a total of seven people.

Also read: Multiple Burdens of Mentally Disabled Survivors During the Covid-19 Pandemic

"Thank God, now they're free from shackles. With the existence of this mental health post, there are already some who have recovered. They have started working in fields such as construction and domestic labor. Some have even gotten married," he said.

Director of RSJ Dr. Radjiman Wediodiningrat, Yuniar, considers forced confinement to be a clear violation of human rights. However, this measure is often taken because the family members do not understand that people with mental disorders can be treated. The family also perceives them as a burden.

From there, the idea emerged about how to handle them through a posyandu (integrated health post). However, the existence of a posyandu for mental health with monthly treatment is considered insufficient. There must be time for survivors to leave the house and produce something. This is where they are then empowered with skills training.

"With the collaboration of health centers, social services, and mental hospitals, we show that they have the potential not to be a burden anymore (through mental health posts)," he said.

According to Yuniar, the presence of people with mental disorders in the community is actually quite widespread. However, many of them have not been identified, making the exact number difficult to determine, including what percentage have received treatment.

Dealing with ODGJ (people with mental disorders, drug addicts, and those with dangerous illnesses) does face many obstacles. Small steps taken together by many organizations and stakeholders are believed to be able to solve the problem.

Mebiso himself, on that occasion, helped create the brand name "Danakirti" on the batik products produced by the survivors and registered the brand name for free. Mebiso also helps market products via live on social media. This activity is also a form of support for the commemoration of Intellectual Property Day.

Also read: ODGJ Health and Mental Health Law

"We provide support to the community who wants to create, establish micro, small, and medium enterprises. One of which is by creating unique name facilities, logos, and trademark registration," said Mebiso's Chief Executive Officer, Hesti Rosa.

This effort has also received appreciation. Steven from IMHCTC said that not only Indonesia, but other countries, including his own, also face the same problem in handling residents with mental health issues. Taiwan also handles mental health treatment like in Wonorejo, albeit with different methods.

One of the things that is being done is repeatedly bringing survivors together with the public to eliminate negative stigmas. Embracing and networking with survivors is an important thing. "There is also a lot of education and campaigning in Taiwan, but it is not easy to do," he said.

Similarly, in terms of employment, survivors in Taiwan also have equal opportunities to work. The government there opens job opportunities for those who have recovered.

"There are micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, such as small shops, that are empowered. Consistently teach them about their work and how to communicate with customers. This will help them heal. In the end, they will no longer be seen as 'special' people. It will boost their confidence," said Steven.

Hopefully, the concern of all parties can help the survivors to return to work with the rest of society...