In Search of Mother, 16-year-old Teen Stranded in Jakarta

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - A 16-year-old teenager Elyas came from West Kalimantan to look for his mother in Jakarta. He managed to arrive in Jakarta on November 22, 2017.

However, since he could not find his mother, he wandered about around the city from one mosque after another.

Jakarta Social Affairs Agency spokesperson Miftahul Huda said that Elyas’s belongings were stolen when he slept at a mosque. Consequently, Elyas relied on others’ help to survive in Jakarta. "He said his mother worked in Jakarta," Miftah told Tempo on Saturday, January 6.

In the meantime, North Jakarta Social Affairs Agency’s officer of the Social Support, Observation and Control (P3S) taskforce brought Elyas from the streets. When he was brought in, Elyas was wearing a red jacket and a T-shirt with a picture of the National Monument on it. His complexion is tanned due to sunburn. He came to Jakarta carrying a black backpack and it got stolen.

The agency’s rehabilitation department head Widia Rusiana revealed that they received information about Elyas from Public Order Agency (Satpol PP). Satpol PP found the teenager in Tanjung Priok sub-district, North Jakarta.

"Elyas only wanted to meet his mother so that he can continue studying," Widia said.

Jakarta Social Affairs Agency is trying to find information on Elyas’s mother.

For the time being, Elyas will be cared for in a children’s shelter under the agency. Widia continued that he will be provided with basic needs and education.

ALFAN HILMI