ATENSI Assistance Programme Encourages Economic Independence for the Elderly and Disabled

JAKARTA — Sentra Handayani of the Ministry of Social Affairs is distributing assistance under the Social Rehabilitation Assistance (ATENSI) programme to support the economic independence of 305 beneficiaries from the elderly and people with disabilities in Pesawaran Regency, Lampung. Head of Sentra Handayani, Ministry of Social Affairs, Hisyam Cholil, said that the government’s involvement through the ATENSI programme not only touches on meeting basic needs but also enhances social functioning, accessibility, and the economic independence of the beneficiaries. ‘The programme is expected to empower beneficiaries to be more capable in their communities,’ Hisyam said in a Jakarta statement on Thursday (5/3/2026). A total of 305 residents classified as Social Welfare Service Recipients (PPKS) received the assistance. They come from the children cluster, persons with disabilities, and vulnerable groups, with the type of assistance tailored to the needs of each individual. The assistance disbursed includes meeting a decent living standard to ensure basic needs, as well as the provision of assistive devices for persons with disabilities and children to improve accessibility and mobility. ‘The total value of the assistance disbursed in the programme is Rp472.6 million,’ said Hisyam.