JAKARTADAILY.ID – Tri Rismaharini, the Minister of Social Affairs, announced the National Economic Hero Program (PENA) as part of the government's efforts to combat poverty.
During a High-Level Roundtable forum organized by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Development Center and the EU online, Minister Rismaharini shared that the PENA program is a duplicate of the Economic Program (PE) Surabaya in 2010, which successfully reduced poverty rates in Surabaya City. The PENA program provides training and mentoring to empower beneficiaries to create sustainable entrepreneurship or startups.
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The PENA program aims to target poor and vulnerable groups, specifically beneficiaries of social assistance programs like the Family Hope Program and Basic Food Program. The Ministry of Social Affairs plans to expand the program to 7,500 families this year, building on last year's launch of the program, which began with 5,209 families.
"When I started, poverty in Surabaya reached 14 percent. This step was taken as a milestone. Reaching only 86 women from suburban areas in Surabaya, we started Economic Hero (PE) Surabaya in 2010," she said, as reported by Antara.
PENA beneficiaries undergo a series of selection processes based on specific criteria such as the productive age group and having a startup business. Once selected, they receive capital and business consulting assistance that is tailored to their business plan.
"All PENA beneficiaries are given access to weekly sessions with mentors who assist them in product development, digital marketing, and financial management," said Risma.
Minister Rismaharini stated that the PENA program targets persons with disabilities, homeless individuals, beggars, and other street people groups, aiming to encourage inclusive economic empowerment.
The Indonesian government has been supporting startup development since 2016, aiming for inclusive and sustainable development through several programs such as incubation support and mentoring.
The OECD Development Center Director, Ragnheiður Elín Árnadóttir, praised Indonesia's entrepreneurship formation strategy and prioritized the country's development agenda.
The Minister of Tourism and Creative Economy, Sandiaga Uno, commended the Indonesian government, the Ministry of Social Affairs, the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy, and the Ministry of Communications and Informatics for their efforts to develop startups that generate economic, social, and environmental benefits.
The European Union Ambassador to Indonesia and Brunei Darussalam, Vincent Piket, recognized the rapid growth of startup conditions in Indonesia and the government's efforts to provide access to technology and various services.
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The Head of Development and Economic Transformation at the OECD Development Center, Annalisa Primi, expressed appreciation for Minister Rismaharini's efforts to form micro-inclusive entrepreneurship to help the poor prosper. Representatives from various organizations, institutions, and Indonesian startups attended the event.
