Ex-leprosy patients of Sitanala village, Tangerang, received Saturday 14 wheelchairs from Rotary Club Jakarta Sentral (RCJS), helping support the rehabilitation process.
Club member John H.G Soe said the program was part of the club’s effort to help empower ex-lepers of the village, known as one of the largest leprosy communities in the country.
“We have also ordered prostheses for 50 more patients [in the village],” John told The Jakarta Post, adding that prostheses were being made at a workshop run by former lepers in Sitanala.
Leprosy is characterized by the formation of white nodules on the body, accompanied by loss of sensation and eventual paralysis, usually of the arms, knees, ears and neck.
Late detection of the skin disease caused by bacillus mycobacterium leprae, can lead to deformities and have a socio-economic impact.
In Indonesia, the disease is wide spread. Concerning numbers, Indonesia recently ranked third worldwide after India and Brazil, a report from World Health Organization (WHO) said.
Although treatment using multidrug therapy is effective, it is reportedly not easy for leprosy sufferers to regain their quality of life due to discrimination.
Ali Saidi, 58, former leprosy sufferer and a community village head, said there were currently 1,000 people affected by the disease living with their families in the area, no larger than a few square kilometers, located behind Sitanala Leprosy Hospital.
With limited job options for ex-leprosy Ali went on, most residents in the village had to work in informal sectors taking occupations as street sweepers, pedicab drivers or street vendors.
“Only a small number of ex-patients who have certain work skills can start their own business,” Ali said, also chairman of the Association for Ex-Leprosy Patients’ Tangerang chapter.
Ali said he appreciated the club’s effort to support his residents and also stated the importance of running a sustainable empowerment program for village residents.
“After running a skill training program, the government and other social organizations need to consider facilitating the residents to obtain soft loans to start businesses,” he said.
Established in Illinois, US, Rotary International has expanded across the world, carrying out humanitarian projects. Indonesia is home to more than 50 clubs. RCJS is one.
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