JAKARTA (June 28, 2024) - The Ministry of Social Affairs graduated 3,415 Beneficiary Families (KPM) of Indonesian Economic Heroes (PENA) for May 2024. During January-May 2024 the Ministry of Social Affairs graduated 15,287 Beneficiary Families (KPM) from social assistance (28/6).

Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini conveyed that graduation was not the end, but the beginning of a bigger journey, this was conveyed by Minister of Social Affairs Risma when giving a message to all the beneficiaries present to be able to progress, develop and survive in entrepreneurship.

"Not just selling, but how this business can change our fate and destiny, if we do that then poverty in Indonesia will be reduced," said Risma.

Risma gave the example of the Marie Wijen product belonging to Sumadi, one of the PENA beneficiaries from Batu City. The Marie Sesame product was previously sold for IDR 8,000, but after getting good branding and packaging, the price rose to IDR15,000 and the income grew rapidly, even now the producer who came to Pak Sumadi to offer raw materials for his product.

"The beneficiaries don't need to hesitate, we will teach and makeover products like this (Marie Sesame packaging), how to market them. Later we will help, after that, they will be taught how to manage their money," said Risma

On this occasion, the Minister of Social Affairs also gave awards to Prof. Dr. Kim Soo-il Chairman of Education from the Busan Indonesia Center, South Korea, who has contributed to improving the quality of services for those who need social welfare services and vocational education at the Ministry of Social Affairs