From Compensation to Independence: PEKA Programme Helps Workers' Families Rebuild

The loss of a worker often leaves a void that is felt not only emotionally but also economically. For the families left behind, the next struggle is finding a way to survive and rebuild their lives. It is at this point that employment social security protection steps in for them, offering not only monetary benefits but also assistance for workers’ families to regain their capabilities, acquire skills, and build new sources of livelihood so they can continue their lives independently.

This spirit is embodied by BPJS Ketenagakerjaan through the Programme for Economic Empowerment and Independence of Beneficiaries (PEKA). In line with the spirit of Independence Day to keep moving forward and become empowered, BPJS Ketenagakerjaan held the National Soft Launching of PEKA, centred in Bandung on Tuesday, 18 August. The event was inaugurated by Indonesian Manpower Minister Yassierli together with BPJS Ketenagakerjaan President Director Saiful Hidayat and Bandung Mayor represented by Regional Secretary Iskandar Zulkarnain, and was attended simultaneously across Indonesia.

Carrying the spirit of Value Beyond Protection, PEKA proves that BPJS Ketenagakerjaan protection does not stop once benefits have been received. There is hope that these benefits will become a foundation for workers and their families to rise, become productive again, and continue their lives independently. This empowerment spirit is also in line with President Prabowo Subianto’s sixth Asta Cita, particularly in promoting economic equality and poverty alleviation.

Manpower Minister Yassierli appreciated BPJS Ketenagakerjaan’s initiative through PEKA. According to him, the programme demonstrates that BPJS Ketenagakerjaan’s presence does not stop at providing benefits or compensation, but continues with assistance so that the benefits received can be managed productively and provide sustainable value. “The idea is extraordinary. I think we must appreciate this. BPJS Ketenagakerjaan does not only provide money or compensation, but also oversees how that money or compensation can be beneficial continuously. Because independence is indeed the key,” said Yassierli.

He assessed that PEKA has the potential to encourage the emergence of independent workers and new entrepreneurs. The Ministry of Manpower is also ready to collaborate and provide assistance so that beneficiaries and heirs can develop their businesses sustainably. “We hope to grow new independent workers, new entrepreneurs who will become the backbone of our nation’s economy. Ultimately, we hope not only for new entrepreneurs, but also for the creation of new jobs,” he said. Yassierli hopes PEKA can become a new hope for beneficiaries and heirs to build independence while improving welfare.

Meanwhile, BPJS Ketenagakerjaan President Director Saiful Hidayat said PEKA stems from concern about the sustainability of benefits received by workers and heirs. BPJS Ketenagakerjaan wants to ensure that these benefits not only provide short-term resilience but also become provisions for building economic independence. “We see how the benefits received by participants can become productive. We are concerned that without assistance and training, the benefits received will only become consumptive. Therefore, through PEKA we want to encourage a shift from consumptive to productive, from receiving benefits to having capability, and ultimately becoming independent,” said Saiful.

According to him, PEKA’s success is not measured solely by the number of trainings or participants, but by the ability of beneficiaries to become productive, earn income, and become independent again. A total of 1,426 beneficiaries participated in the PEKA activities held simultaneously at 45 locations across Indonesia. The empowerment provided is tailored to participants’ needs and the economic potential of each region. It may take the form of competency improvement, entrepreneurship training, digital marketing/content creation, culinary arts, handicrafts, floristry, barista skills, laundry services, make-up, sewing, reselling, and other business training according to regional potential.

In its implementation, BPJS Ketenagakerjaan prioritises collaboration with regional governments, ministries and agencies, businesses, banks, universities, training institutions, communities, and various other strategic partners. “We hope this activity truly becomes a joint activity. Therefore, we collaborate with the central government, regional governments, banks, communities, and other ecosystems to jointly empower the economy and independence of beneficiaries. In fact, we hope that eventually they can also open new job opportunities,” said Saiful.