Yusuf told a graduation ceremony for aid recipients in Jakarta that the target marks a significant expansion from this year, when 77,000 families exited social assistance programmes after improving their livelihoods.
Graduating families were previously registered under regular social assistance schemes, including the Family Hope Program (PKH) and basic food aid.
After receiving business support and mentoring from the ministry, these households were assessed as moving up to a more independent economic level through various productive ventures.
Yusuf, known as Gus Ipul, said next year’s target is higher because it will be funded under the 2025 budget, while this year’s programme relied on the smaller 2024 allocation.
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“With business assistance, they can stand on their own,” he said, adding that graduation reflects reduced dependence on government welfare.
Families that have been declared economically independent will continue to receive support to ensure they do not fall back into poverty or return to social aid schemes.
The empowerment and monitoring process will be handed over to the Coordinating Ministry for Community Empowerment, headed by Muhaimin Iskandar.
“We don’t want them to return to relying on social assistance. Those who have graduated will be handed over fully to the coordinating minister for follow-up and additional empowerment programmes,” Yusuf said.
The ministry says the graduation programme is designed to create sustainable independence by combining capital aid, training, and business mentoring, particularly for micro-enterprises.
Officials say the long-term goal is to reduce structural poverty by shifting families from aid-dependent households to self-reliant ones through targeted intervention and continued guidance.
The Social Affairs Ministry expects the expanded programme to support a broader economic recovery, especially in regions where poverty levels remain high and employment opportunities are limited.
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Translator: Asep Firmansyah, Mecca Yumna
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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