A Family in Ponorogo, Indonesia, with a Member Who Has Mental Retardation Grew to Value Independence and Religious Beliefs

Abstract

This paper aims to show that the development of mental retardation appears due to conditions of poverty in the village of Karangpatihan , Balong , Ponorogo , Indonesia. The cause of it all is that the community cannot access sufficient nutritious food, causing defects in the fetus and newborn. Inadequate nutritional intake in pregnant women has a close relationship with the birth of babies with mental retardation conditions. The poverty that hit Karangpatihan village is a special concern that must be resolved by the village government. This paper uses the qualitative research method, collecting data from interviews, observations, and documentation. Data analysis using Miles and Huberman's concept of triangulation members. The results show an attitude of independence must be instilled in the mentally retarded community in order to overcome the poverty that occurs. The planting of independence carried out by the village government must be social and in the form of community empowerment programs in the form of making splashed batik, catfish farms, goats, and doormats. The form of religious independence of the mentally retarded community is as follows: how to make mentally retarded people have the ability to worship or religious activities, especially in ablution and congregational prayers, starting from mentoring, training, and understanding until independence appears according to the abilities of each mentally retarded citizen.