Surabaya home threatens to release 683 mentally ill patients

Surabaya Representatives Council has warned that the Keputih welfare home (Liponsos) could release all its occupants, including 683 mentally ill patients, if East Java administration continues to ignore its calls for financial support.

“The mayor must immediately request for funds from the governor. If the governor does not respond we will ask for the Liponsos occupants to be released,” Surabaya Representative Council member Baktiono said Monday as quoted by kompas.com.

Baktiono explained that the city administration had been burdened with all costs involved in the management of the home, despite the fact that almost 80 percent of its occupants were from East Java cities other than Surabaya.

“Therefore, the provincial administration must also be responsible [for its running costs]. Apart from that, Surabaya is also the capital of the province, so it would make sense if the governor helped Keputih,” he said.

Until now, Surabaya administration has set aside Rp 15,000 (US$ 1.71) per day for the home's 660 occupants. However, the number of occupants has continued to increase.

In August, the home had 915 occupants, comprising of 683 mentally ill patients, 184 homeless and unemployed people, 16 street children, 13 transsexuals and 19 elderly.