MALANG REGENCY (13 August 2023) – The Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) has carried out economic empowerment for Indonesian Economic Heroes (PENA) beneficiaries through various approaches. In addition to assistance and consultation on asset management, financial education is also considered important.


Strengthening awareness about capital institutions is one of the education priorities for PENA beneficiaries. KPM PENA must be able to differentiate between credible and untrustworthy institutions. PENA beneficiaries are educated not to be readily swayed by unregistered financial service providers.


Therefore, education for beneficiaries continues to be carried out, one of which is by cooperating with non-government partners in the financial sector.


"We will continue the empowerment. Right now, for example, knowledge sharing regarding financial management, later investment, and eventually capital application. We will teach them not to be deceived," stated Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini on Saturday (12/8), at the launch of the PENA Business Clinic in Malang.


This time, MoSA is collaborating with Astra Insurance to provide training for beneficiaries and social pillars. Director of Astra Insurance, Adi Sepiarso stated that his party welcomed the PENA program from the Ministry of Social Affairs.


"In our opinion, this program initiative has a very good concept where poverty alleviation with social assistance is combined with empowerment. This empowerment concept must be supported by all parties," he stated on the same occasion.


Adi added that Astra Insurance's contribution in helping to empower beneficiaries and social pillars includes financial inclusion, entrepreneurship training for making patchwork textile products, electric pasteurization of milk, and production of fruit chips using vacuum frying technology.


"The training will take place today and tomorrow. The speakers are the winners of the SATU Indonesia Award, Astra Group's appreciation event for Indonesian youth who have contributed to supporting the creation of a sustainable life" Adi explained.


One of the training participants, Novia Pristiowati (35) admitted that she was enthusiastic about participating in the financial inclusion course and producing garments out of patchwork.


"I was taught how to manage money. I learned how to track my income and expenses and set aside money for future savings," said this resident of Klayatan, Sukun, Malang City.


"I also learned how to sew." It is extremely beneficial to beneficiaries since it assists illiterate people. "Thank God, I also won first place when presenting my work at the fashion show," Novi remarked.

 

Astra Insurance also gives free personal accident insurance Garda Me Micro to participants as a form of appreciation for their enthusiasm for the training.


Adi hopes that other business actors also have the same concern for community empowerment so that it continues to be sustainable. "This is also following the concept of the Indonesian people, namely mutual cooperation. It can't be just one. It has to be all parties," he said.