BALIKPAPAN (February 17, 2023) - Commission VIII of the Indonesian House of Representatives appreciates the various empowerment efforts carried out by the Ministry of Social Affairs. People's representatives said programs such as Social Rehabilitation Assistance (ATENSI) and National Economic Heroes (PENA) touched directly on the community's needs.

"Earlier, the ATENSI assistance provided was based on the results of the assessment to the recipients directly, hopefully, it will be useful. Of course, we will continue to support the good efforts of the Ministry of Social Affairs," said Deputy Chairman of Commission VIII of the House of Representatives Moekhlas Sidik in the framework of a Recess Working Visit for the Third Session Period of Session Year 2022-2023 in Balikpapan City, East Kalimantan Province, Friday (17/2).

Also present on the occasion was Secretary General of the Ministry of Social Affairs Harry Hikmat, who said that the PENA program is expected to encourage the independence of beneficiaries through empowerment.

"PENA is expected to become a new orientation of the Ministry of Social Affairs so that people do not rely on continuous assistance," said Harry.

PENA Program assistance for East Kalimantan Province itself has been fully realized to 12 Beneficiary Families (KPM) spread across 10 regencies/cities.

During this visit, not only entrepreneurship assistance was distributed. Other ATENSI assistance, such as accessibility aids (wheelchairs, walkers, crutches), basic needs assistance, and basic food packages were also provided to the people in Balikpapan City.

Various logistical assistance for disaster preparedness was also submitted for the East Kalimantan Provincial Social Service buffer stock, consisting of ready-to-eat food, children's food, adult clothing, baby clothing, roll tents, family tents, blankets, mattresses, kids ware, food ware and family kitchen equipment.

As a disaster mitigation measure, the Ministry of Social Affairs has also established four social granaries and ten Disaster Preparedness Village (KSB) points in East Kalimantan Province.

The total assistance distributed during today's recess working visit of Commission VIII of the House of Representatives is worth a total of IDR 827,569,000.

Also attending the activity were eight delegates of Commission VIII members, Assistant Adm. General of East Kalimantan Province, Secretary of the Directorate General of Social Rehabilitation, and other relevant officials.



Public Relations Bureau

Ministry of Social Affairs