Receiving PENA Assistance, Murtinah is Ready to Graduate from PKH and Optimistic for the Future

BANTUL (January 6, 2023) - Murtinah did not expect to receive assistance from the Ministry of Social Affairs. From the Indonesian Economic Heroes (PENA) program, a 37-year-old woman received business support assistance.

This mother of two children received a large storefront that is used to display Muslim clothing products. She also received two smaller display cases for other trading communities.

Murtinah admitted that she received PENA assistance quite quickly. "I was visited by a companion to assess PENA assistance. From the time I submitted the proposal, the items I needed arrived," said the Pendowo Harjo, Sewon District, Bantul, recently.

She admitted that PENA assistance is very meaningful to increase income. Although she has only just received the goods, it clearly adds support to the business she is running.

Murtinah runs a grocery stall in her house around the corner. She sells various daily necessities, such as food, drinks, ice cream, detergent, soap, and so on.

The grocery store is Murtinah's main source of income for her husband, who works as a crew member for a movie company. "My husband doesn't work all the time. If there is a movie production, he will be called to work. Now it's off," she said.

She feels the assistance of the Ministry of Social Affairs for her family's economic life. She also had received social assistance from the Family Hope Program (PKH) in 2018. "I received it from the school children component, because my two children are still in school. But I have applied for PKH termination," she said.

Murtinah admitted that she ended her PKH membership with her own awareness. The graduation decision does not mean that she feels very economically sufficient.

"I don't feel very enough. But I realize that there are still many of our relatives who need more help. With the business that I am now running, God willing, I am ready to be independent," she said.

With PENA's help, Murtinah is optimistic that she can increase her income. Incidentally, she has ended her shophouse contract to run a clothing business. Now, with a large storefront from PENA, she can store the clothes she sells.

"I focus on selling online. Thank you Ministry of Social Affairs for helping a lot in supporting my business and economy and my family," she said.