4,051 Beneficiary Families Graduate Successfully from Nusantara Economic Heroes Program

JAKARTA (October 25^th, 2023) – To change fate, a strong belief is needed. The reason is every human being is destined to have equal time and opportunities. All they have to do is use them as fully as possible.

“Any religion teaches that every human being is given equal time and opportunities, being beautiful does not guarantee better fortune. For God, nothing is impossible," Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini said at the Graduation Ceremony for Beneficiaries (PM) of Nusantara Economic Heroes (PENA) for August - September 2023 period at Aneka Bhakti Building in Ministry of Social Affairs Complex in Jakarta on Wednesday (October 25^th, 2023).

Ministry of Social Affairs has graduated or released 4,051 Beneficiary Families (KPM) registered in Nusantara Economic Heroes (PENA) program since 2022.

"The graduated recipients are part of PENA 2022 of 5,028 family beneficiaries. For this reason, we continue to move, hopefully, next month there will be more additions,” Minister of Social Affairs said.

PENA reached out to beneficiary families who were active participants in Family Hope Program (PKH) and Non-Cash Food Assistance (BPNT). After being distributed, the program is proven to be able to increase income so that they could leave social assistance program and encourage them to upgrade their start-up business so that they can increase their level and widen their target market.

Minister of Social Affairs asked why we have to sell to the upper middle class. There are several examples of products that may make less profit compared to being sold to the middle class.

“Being able to sell products to the middle class is not a limitation regarding price. However, on the other hand, if you sell a lot to the lower middle class in quantity, the profits are tight," Minister of Social Affairs said.

Don't feel tired and hopeless even though it's not easy. If one day a big business can be inherited. PENA was born based on the desire for beneficiary families to understand and apply business strategies in their businesses. Therefore, every family beneficiary is given mentoring, coaching, and feedback from the business they are starting.

"If other people can use a strategy, why don't we try that strategy. Therefore, we must never stop learning, never give up until we reach the top," Minister of Social Affairs explained.

On the occasion, Minister of Social Affairs invites every PENA family beneficiary not to despair about all shortcomings but to instil a strong determination to succeed.

"From now on, determined to be successful, we are successful because God is Righteous, Powerful, and Rich. We can ask God for anything by working hard, never giving up, and never feeling desperate. There is no giving up on being successful because no matter how difficult it is, you must not be afraid or feel inferior," Minister of Social Affairs said.