TNP2K, Bappenas, Kemensos Holds Seminar for PKH Participant Transformation

19 August 2014

Poverty Reduction Coordination Teams (TKPK) must facilitate the coordination of complimentary social assistance efforts at the local level, said Ir. Sri Kusumastuti R., M.Si, Head of Cluster 1 Working Group at the National Team for the Acceleration of Poverty Reduction (TNP2K) at an event facilitated by TNP2K, the National Development Planning Agency (Bappenas) and the Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos).

Speaking at “Publicising the Transformation of 2008 Cohort PKH Participants”, Kusumastuti emphasised that TKPK must be proactive and have a comprehensive understanding of various government efforts to alleviate poverty, such as the Social Assistance Card (KPS), cluster groups, Raskin (subsidised rice programme) and PKH (Family Hope Programme). TKPK act as an important link between government social assistance programmes and poor communities, she added.

“TKPK must work to promote government efforts to alleviate poverty, so that more families can be lifted out of poverty,” Kusumastuti said.

She added that while attendees were present due to their participation in the PKH programme, they should also use the event as a forum to address any questions or concerns.

“As TKPK, you are here partly to coordinate your work with relevant government agencies, but also to address any concerns you may have,” Kusumastuti said. “We can answer your questions, so you can help groups of individuals who come to you for help.”

During the event, Kusumastuti also gave a presentation on the results of the recertification process, and cited several success stories stemming from the PKH programme.

The event was held at the Double Tree Hotel in Jakarta on 20 August 2014, and was attended by representatives from various government offices, including 22 from Regional Development Planning Agency (BAPPEDA) and 22 from Dinas Sosial, as well as officials from Kemensos and UPPKH.

Dr. Vivi Yulaswati, M.Sc., Director of Protection and Public Welfare Business at Bappenas, opened the event where she welcomed guests and gave a presentation on the transformation design for participants in PKH. Other speakers included Dr. M. O. Royani, M.Si., Director of Social Security at Kemensos and Ir. Edy Wahyudi, M.Si, Director of Fisheries Development at the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries.

PKH is a conditional cash transfers programmes launched in 2007 to help the break the cycle of poverty among Indonesia’s poorest and most vulnerable. Financial assistance is directed at target families on the condition that they meet a series of pre-determined health and educational requirements. As such, it is hoped that the programme incentivises targeting groups to their change their behaviour for the better. Participation in complementarity programmes, such as Cash for Poor Students (BSM) and the National Health Insurance programme (JKN), will help in assist in acceleration of poverty reduction.