Social Affairs Minister Risma Appreciates Business Progress of PENA Participants

WEST BANDUNG REGENCY (July 1, 2024) - Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini appreciated the improvement of the lives of beneficiaries who sell their products at the PENA Outlet Bale Lembang. The PENA outlet, which was inaugurated in April 2024, is now well known and visited by many tourists who take a break between their trips. As a result, the turnover of the sellers at the outlets has increased and their standard of living has improved.

"Wow, you look handsome now. How much do you earn now?", asked Social Affairs Minister Risma to Dede Supriatna, a person with disabilities who received PENA assistance and sells balok cakes at the PENA Bale Lembang outlet, on Monday (1/7).

Responding to Social Affairs Minister 's question, Dede replied shyly, "If it's busy, a day can reach Rp 2.5 million, ma'am," said Dede.  Dede's sales turnover has increased compared to when he first started selling at PENA outlets last April 2024.

Similar to Dede, Eti Susilowati or who is familiarly called Bu Amoy is also grateful for the PENA Program. In addition to increasing sales turnover, Eti Susilowati now sells satay and curry. "In the beginning, it was still low, the turnover was still around Rp 300,000 to Rp 400,000 per day," said Eti. But over time, now the turnover is around IDR 700,000 to IDR 1 million per day. "If there are orders, the turnover can be even greater," Eti explained.

Head of the Center for Social Welfare Education and Training (BBPPKS) Iyan Kusmadiana revealed since it was inaugurated as a National PENA Outlet last April 2024, until now the turnover of PENA Bale Lembang Outlet has reached Rp 202 million. Tata Rupa Nusantara has also beautified the packaging so that it is more attractive, the products sold are more complete and imported from all over Indonesia. Many of the sold products are in demand by buyers, especially batik. Many foreign and domestic tourists passing through Lembang stop at the PENA Bale Lembang outlet because of its strategic location, right on the edge of the Bandung - Tangkuban Perahu highway.

"A few days ago, a group of French tourists stopped by here on their tour. There were also three buses of tourists from South Lampung who stopped by. More and more locals are now stopping by the PENA Bale Lembang outlet," said Iyan. The popularity of the outlet cannot be separated from the active role of BBPPKS Bandung in socializing and promoting the outlet, especially through social media.