JAKARTA (July 28th, 2024) - Ministry of Social Affairs (MoSA) graduated 3,415 Families Beneficiaries (KPM) of Nusantara Economic Heroes (PENA) in May 2024 period. From January until May 2024, MoSA graduated 15,287 Family Beneficiary (KPM) from social assistance.

Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismaharini stated that graduation was not the end, but the beginning to go bigger. Minister Risma delivered that as a message to all beneficiaries who were present online and onsite to advance, thrive, and survive in entrepreneurship.

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

Risma took Marie Wijen, a product belonging to Sumadi one of the PENA beneficiaries from Batu City as an example. The biscuit was previously sold at IDR 8,000. However, after getting the branding and packaging from Tata Rupa, the price rose to IDR 15,000 and resulted in rapid growth in income. Even now, the manufacturers have come to Mr. Sumadi to offer the raw materials for his products.

"Beneficiaries do not need to be worried. We will teach and give a makeover for products like this, and how to market them. We'll help, and then they'll be taught how to manage their money," Risma said.

On the occasion, Minister Risma also gave an award to Prof. Dr. Kim Soo-il, the Education Chairman of Busan Indonesia Center in South Korea. He contributed to improving the quality of service for persons in need of social welfare services and vocational education officers in the Ministry of Social Affairs.