Jakarta. The wives of the civil servants working at the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Ministry recently held a seminar in Jakarta to raise awareness for breast cancer.

The organization, better known as Dharma Wanita Persatuan (DWP) of the MSME Ministry, highlighted the importance of early detection of breast cancer. The event also sought to provide moral support for cancer patients. 

“Moral support, love, and care are the best medicine for those who are fighting [the cancer],” DWP MSME Ministry’s advisor Tina Maman Abdurrahman was quoted as saying in a press statement.

DWP MSME Ministry also partnered with state lender BRI, Tim Selangkah, Siloam Hospital, Tarakan Hospital, and Ladang Lima to provide free ultrasonography for breast cancer detection. DWP MSME Ministry teamed up with foundations Yayasan Pembinaan Anak Cacat (YPAC) and Yayasan KAnker Anak Indonesia (YKAI) to launch the book “Bersemi” (‘Blossoming’), which has a collection of drawings by children with cancer and special needs. This book symbolizes hope, courage, and the spirit to continue living.

"Hopefully, ‘Bersemi’ will inspire many to keep fighting, because there is always light and new life," Tina said.

Monique, a small business owner and cancer survivor, also shared her story about her struggle against the disease and maintaining her business despite limitations. She recounted how the lengthy treatment process initially discouraged her, but it eventually became a turning point for her to find new meaning in her work and contribution to others.

"This illness is not a barrier. We women can still create and be empowered according to our passions," she said.

Monique hopes that more Indonesian women, especially MSMEs, will not give up and continue to develop their potential. According to Monique, support from those around her -- including the MSME community and family -- is key to recovering and growing, both personally and in their businesses.

Also present at the event were Sita Ferry Juliantono, advisor to the DWP Ministry of Cooperatives.