Jakarta (October 18, 2024) - A total of five beneficiaries (PM) of the Ministry of Social Affairs program won the Indonesia Entrepreneur Challenge (IEC) 2024 award. The award was held at the Westin Hotel, Jakarta, Friday (18/10/2024).

The five people are beneficiaries of the Nusantara Economic Heroes (PENA) program. They are considered successful in innovating and resilient in running a business. The PENA program aims to support the start-up and development of small and medium enterprises owned by beneficiaries so that they can be independent and free from social assistance. The program provides economic empowerment, entrepreneurship training, and equipment assistance.

More than 62,000 participants from 37 provinces participated in the competition.

One of the awardees, Bok Sak Hiong (51), said his success in getting the IEC award was inseparable from the assistance of the Ministry of Social Affairs. The man who is familiarly called Koh Edi received empowerment assistance to sell various juices at the Sentra Kreasi Atensi (SKA) located at the Pangudi Luhur Integrated Center (STPL) Bekasi which is a Technical Implementation Unit (UPT) of the Ministry of Social Affairs.

Koh Edi received equipment such as display cases, thermoses, cups, and dispensers. Every day, his juice stall operates from 7am to 9pm. Since receiving PENA assistance, his income has increased from Rp700,000 to Rp800,000 per day, with a total monthly income of Rp20 million.

Koh Edi is one example of the success of the PENA program in improving the economic welfare of the community. “Thank you Ministry of Social Affairs, thank you PENA. I think this is consistent, we maintain service quality, innovation, and creativity,” said Koh Edi.

IEC 2024 assesses innovation, social impact, and business sustainability of business actors. Koh Edi and four other PENA entrepreneurs showed excellence in their business fields, ranging from culinary to applied technology. They are not only able to grow their businesses but also contribute to creating jobs and improving the local economy in their respective regions.

The success of these five PENA beneficiaries can inspire others to continue to innovate and take advantage of government empowerment programs. With continued support, beneficiaries are expected to continue to grow, create jobs, and contribute to the welfare of society at large.