2,596 Klaten Residents Officially Exit Poverty Data, Ready for Independent Living

In the first phase of 2026, there were 54,555 Family Hope Programme (PKH) beneficiary families in Klaten Regency. Of that number, 2,596 families successfully graduated due to improved welfare. Specifically, 992 families chose independent graduation because they declared themselves capable and no longer dependent on government assistance, while 1,604 families graduated after participating in the Social Economic Empowerment Programme (PPSE). This achievement was marked by an independent graduation ceremony at Graha Bung Karno, Klaten Regency, today.

One of the thousands of PKH beneficiary families who underwent the independent graduation ceremony was Sri Giatmi. The resident of Bero Village, Trucuk District, Klaten Regency, took part in the independent graduation after feeling capable and having enough to meet daily needs. She hopes more PKH participants will soon graduate. ‘This graduation is for those of us who are already capable. If we weren’t sufficient, we wouldn’t dare to graduate. Whether it’s enough or not, we feel it ourselves. Alhamdulillah, I feel it’s enough now because the government has helped us until now. Now I am grateful for what I earn from trading; the income is enough for the family’s daily needs,’ said Sri Giatmi in a statement on Tuesday (30/6/2026).

She said she had been a PKH participant since 2013. At that time, her family’s condition was difficult, making it hard to meet daily needs, even to buy snacks for her children. After receiving PKH, she got assistance for her children’s school fees, and the family’s needs, including nutrition, were met. Sri Giatmi was even able to set aside some PKH money for business capital, such as buying materials and equipment. Currently, she earns an income sufficient for daily needs. Moreover, her first child is now working in a factory with a steady income, and her second child is in the third grade of junior high school. ‘For all my friends who feel they have enough, let’s dare to graduate independently, because there are many more who need it,’ she said.

In addition to independent graduations, the event also included the distribution of Social Economic Empowerment Programme (PPSE) assistance from the Ministry of Social Affairs. The business capital assistance from the ministry can reach up to Rp5 million per beneficiary family. ‘Alhamdulillah, I received equipment assistance to sell meatballs. The business has been running for six months. I have also graduated. This programme can help develop our business. I hope our family’s economy can run smoothly and the business continues,’ said one beneficiary, Tri Suwiyem, a resident of Central Klaten, Klaten Regency.

Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi expressed appreciation for the 2,596 PKH beneficiary families who have graduated. This means thousands of families can now stand on their own feet without receiving social assistance from the government. He hopes the spirit of those who have graduated can be passed on to other communities. ‘So this graduation is not only in Klaten, but also in Kendal and Brebes. They are now able to stand on their own, so they no longer need social assistance. They have risen from poverty to become independent,’ he said. Luthfi stressed that efforts to combat poverty must be carried out collectively. According to him, collaboration between the central government, provinces, regencies/cities, and other relevant agencies, including companies, is crucial. This is evidenced by the decline in the poverty rate in Central Java from 9.58 percent to 9.39 percent in 2025. ‘This collaboration is important to tackle poor and extremely poor communities so we can graduate them,’ he said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Social Affairs Agus Jabo Priyono said Governor Ahmad Luthfi and the regents have worked hard to alleviate poverty and eliminate extreme poverty. He also stressed the importance of transparent data on poor communities in each region so that joint interventions can be carried out precisely. The event was also attended by Central Java Governor Ahmad Luthfi, Deputy Minister of Social Affairs Agus Jabo Priyono, and Klaten Regent Hamenang Wajar Ismoyo.