Mothers with special needs children in Indonesia are often found in challenging situations because the role of childcare is predominantly placed on the mother.
This situation is exacerbated by their children requiring special caregiving than typical children.
The complexity of this situation intensifies for single mothers who have to care for their special needs children on their own while also being the primary breadwinners for their families. Nonetheless, many single mothers persevere and fight for their children.
This situation has prompted a team of researchers from UGM, who participated in the Student Creativity Program in Social Sciences and Humanities Research, to research the self-reliance of single mothers with special needs children.
The team consists of five students: Syadza Aliyah Putri (Psychology 2021), Keysha Wini Azzahra Matondang (Psychology 2021), Namaskara Tawang Kusuma (Psychology 2021), Rizqi Vazrin (Philosophy 2021), and Rahmadhani Sulistyorini (Public Policy and Management 2020).
Psychologist Dr. Restu Tri Handoyo supervised them. The researchers collected data by interviewing ten single mothers with special needs children living in the Yogyakarta Province from August 4 to September 8, 2023.
In single mothers’ caregiving, various obstacles were identified, including challenging financial conditions, limited time available for work due to childcare responsibilities, and emotional dynamics within the mothers.
Single mothers need spiritual or faith-based support to overcome these difficulties. In Javanese culture, a philosophy called “nrimo ing pandum” strengthens individuals in accepting life’s challenges.
“Unfortunately, there is a misconception in the community regarding the philosophy of ‘nrimo ing pandum,’” said Namaskara Kusuma.
Misinterpreting this concept leads people to accept their fate or resign themselves without effort unquestioningly. Ideally, the application of ‘nrimo ing pandum’ should go hand in hand with ‘makaryo ing nyoto,’ which means trying to change one’s circumstances.
The ideal application of ‘nrimo ing pandum’ is seen as strengthening spirituality in overcoming life’s challenges and motivating individuals to strive to improve their situation.
In the context of this research, the researchers hope that single mothers receive spiritual encouragement to face their challenging situations through this philosophy.
Additionally, they aim to rectify misconceptions in the community regarding the philosophy ‘nrimo ing pandum.’
Author: The UGM Single Mother Research Team
Editor: Ika