MoSA’s PENA Beneficiaries Can Now Consult Their Businesses Through the PENA Business Clinic

MALANG REGENCY (12 August 2023) – Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini initiated the Indonesian Economic Heroes (PENA) program to accelerate the handling of poverty. To continue to strengthen the PENA program, the Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) provides additional support in the form of establishing a PENA Business Clinic.

The PENA Business Clinic is a place of consultation for PENA beneficiaries in developing a business. This clinic was formed to help business people, especially PENA, have an understanding of business management and financial literacy.

"Most of the PENA beneficiaries are housewives. We must teach them how to increase the value of their products to raise their standard of living," said the Minister of Social Affairs at the inauguration of the PENA Business Clinic in Kendalpayak Village, Pakisaji District, Malang Regency on Saturday (12/8).

The Minister added that increasing product value can be done in terms of quality, licensing, and packaging. "And the most important thing is financial management," she said.

Attended by 100 PENA beneficiaries of the Ministry of Social Affairs, the event began with financial literacy from the Financial Services Authority of Indonesia (OJK). In this session, participants gain knowledge on how to manage finances, from making financial goals to learning about inflation as well as investing.

Financial literacy was also conveyed to PKH companions and District Social Welfare Workers in Malang Raya. They will later share their knowledge with PENA beneficiaries about capital, financial management, and investment in notable institutions for their retirement.

MoSA also cooperates with Tata Rupa Nusantara, a volunteer group consisting of young people who help businesses rebrand products. They design more attractive packaging and create brands that match product characteristics.

The Minister also stressed the importance of business licenses and patenting business brands. "If there are more products but the brand has not been licensed, other people can take the brand. As a result, they cannot sell it anymore. That is important. There have been many incidents like this," said Risma.

The Minister hopes that the PENA beneficiaries can move up a grade and prepare a better future for their children as well as prepare for old age.

Present on the occasion were the Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture (Menko PMK) Muhadjir Effendy, Member of the Indonesian House of Representatives Andreas Eddy Susetyo, Deputy Regent of Malang Regency Didik Gatot Subroto, Chief Executive of Behavioral Supervisory of Financial Services Business, Education, and Consumer Protection of the Financial Services Authority Friderica Widyasari Dewi, Director of Astra Insurance Adi Sepiarso, Administration Dept. Head of United Tractor Martinus Calvin, Representative of other Supporting Companies, Special Staff of the Minister of Social Affairs, Acting Director General of Social Empowerment Benny Sujanto, and MoSA’s High Senior Officials.