11-Year-Old Child in West Bandung Has Habit of Eating Leaves Amidst Parental Poverty

Republika highlights a deeply concerning and heart-wrenching situation involving a young boy in West Bandung, Indonesia. The headline, '11-Year-Old Child in West Bandung Has a Habit of Eating Leaves, Parents Live in Poverty,' immediately draws attention to the child's unusual condition and the family's dire circumstances.

The article focuses on Muhammad Rizki, known as Kiki, an 11-year-old boy with a disability who eats leaves, including grass. His father, Asep Setiawan, explains that Kiki has been exhibiting this behavior since he was four years old. The narrative emphasizes the family's severe economic limitations, with Asep working as a sandal seller and relying on his parents for support. The description of Kiki eating a taro leaf he had stored in his pocket paints a vivid picture of the family's struggle.

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Yes, my son Kiki has a habit of eating leaves, from grass to any leaves around him. But he knows which ones are poisonous and which are not.

From an Indonesian perspective, this story is particularly poignant as it sheds light on the challenges faced by vulnerable families, especially those with children requiring special care, in overcoming poverty and accessing essential services. The article implicitly critiques the lack of social support, as Asep states they have never received government aid like PKH or BPNT. The father's inability to work full-time due to the need to care for Kiki, who might wander off if left unsupervised, underscores the systemic issues that prevent families like theirs from breaking the cycle of poverty.

The family's plea for help—for Kiki to receive education and therapy—resonates deeply within a society that values community support and family well-being. Republika's reporting, by detailing the daily struggles and the father's unwavering dedication, aims to raise awareness and potentially mobilize assistance. The story serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of poverty and disability, urging for greater attention and resources to be directed towards such marginalized individuals and families in Indonesia.

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My hope is that my son can go to school and get therapy or treatment. Now it's not possible because of the cost. It's hard for me to work because if he's not watched, he might leave and not know the way home.