Social Affairs Ministry Empowers 1,200 Poor Residents in Central Java Through Economic Programme
The Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos) has successfully empowered 1,200 poor residents registered in the National Socio-Economic Single Data (DTSEN) in Karang Tengah Regency, Central Java, through the Socio-Economic Empowerment Programme (PPSE).
Director of Social Empowerment at the Ministry, Radik Raksaguna, stated that the PPSE formulation is not merely about providing social assistance (bansos), but is directed towards strengthening the capabilities, asset ownership and access of poor residents as Beneficiary Families (KPM).
“KPM are guided towards achieving social independence so they no longer depend continuously on social assistance. The Ministry of Social Affairs has successfully empowered 1,200 poor residents registered in DTSEN in terms of improving their family economies. These 1,200 poor residents are one level better off in meeting their economic needs through a variety of business options tailored to their own needs and wishes,” said Radik in a statement in Jakarta on Thursday.
The categories of assistance can cover trading services, livestock farming, agriculture or other businesses that the KPM had already been engaged in previously.
One field mentor, Lidia, acknowledged that empowering poor residents is not easy as it requires time and patience. One of the approaches used is through the Family Capability Enhancement Meetings (P2K2).
This success story has been proven by Siti Rokayah, a KPM in Pondok Rejo, Lalung Village, Karanganyar Sub-district, who has been running a crispy fried chicken business since 2024. Her venture has become a flagship product with a monthly turnover of Rp5 million.
Another success story was achieved by a KPM, Fitriana, in Pencol, Gebyog Village, Mojogedong Sub-district, who chose to run a vegetable-selling business. Fitriana started her vegetable business in 2023. Her flagship products are pumpkin, raw/boiled potatoes, raw/boiled gembili (lesser yam), and raw/boiled sweet potatoes. In a month, her turnover reaches approximately Rp20 million.