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 Social Economic Empowerment Programme (PPSE). Director of Social Empowerment at Kemensos, 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 directed to achieve social independence, not to continue depending on social assistance. Kemensos has successfully empowered 1,200 poor residents recorded in DTSEN in terms of improving their family economy. These 1,200 poor residents are now a step better in meeting their economic needs through various business options according to their own needs and desires,’ Radik said in a statement in Jakarta on Thursday. The assistance categories can be for trade services, livestock, agriculture, or other businesses previously run by the KPM. A field facilitator, Lidia, admitted that empowering the poor is not easy because it requires time and patience. One of the approaches used is through Family Capability Improvement Meetings (P2K2). This success is evident in the case of Siti Rokayah, a KPM in Pondok Rejo, Lalung Village, Karanganyar District, who has continued her crispy fried chicken business since 2024. Her business has become a flagship product with a turnover of Rp5 million per month. Another success story is Fitriana, a KPM in Pencol, Gebyog Village, Mojogedang District, who chose to run a vegetable trading business. Fitriana started her vegetable business in 2023. Her flagship products include pumpkin, raw and boiled potatoes, and raw and boiled yam. Her monthly turnover reaches approximately Rp20 million.