outheast Asia superapp giant Grab is back with the second edition of its annual Hari Mitra Grab (Grab Partner Day) in Yogyakarta on Sunday. With the same theme as last year, Solidaritas Selamanya (Solidarity Forever), Grab utilized this occasion to honor and appreciate its partners via various initiatives, one of which is the Apresiasi Dana Abadi (Endowment Fund Appreciation Program).
Collaborating with crowdfunding-platform Benihbaik.com, over 45,000 transportation workers and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) owners, which include Grab partners, were granted a total of Rp 15.8 billion (US$1 million).
The fund was distributed via GrabScholar, a scholarship program for 1,158 children of Grab partners and public outside the Grab ecosystem; cash funding; operational-business development funds totaling Rp 25 million for MSMEs; 44 electric motorcycles; and 4 cars.
For transportation workers, the funds were also given to firefighters, Commuter Indonesia, MRT and Transjakarta personnel, intercity-bus drivers and train doormen. Meanwhile, the MSME category focuses on the food-and-beverage industry, which includes Grab merchant partners.
“Grab Partner Day has been my most-awaited moment since becoming a Grab driver partner five years ago. This year, I didn’t expect to win a car that would help increase my income and take my children out for a picnic. [My family] is just as surprised and proud as I am,” said Ia Julaeha, a GrabCar driver partner from Batam, Riau Islands.
The same was also said for MSME owners facing declining sales due to the pandemic, especially businesses on the brink of closure. “Thanks to customers [obtained] via the Grab app, my business was slowly able to get back on its feet. I am grateful for the operational funds that I can use to expand my outlet,” said Muhammad Amirudin from Denpasar, Bali.
Grab Partner Day and the Endowment Fund Appreciation Program were part of the Grab For Good Initiative. The long-term sustainable program aims to empower Grab driver partners and reward them for their loyalty and dedication. Touted as The Day for Partners, the event also featured entertainment such as performances by famous musicians (including crowd-favorite Kangen Band and Ndarboy Genk) and talent shows for partners.
“We are happy to announce that we were able to invite more than 1,000 partner representatives from [Special Region of Aceh to Papua] in person to Yogyakarta,” said country managing director, Grab Indonesia, Neneng Goenadi.
“We are happy to be part of Grab Partner Day via the Endowment Appreciation Fund Program. It is our form of appreciation for the unsung heroes -- workers in the transportation sector and MSME owners -- whose presence is valuable and makes our lives easier,” said CEO and founder of BenihBaik Indonesia Foundation (BenihBaik.com).
“We hope the fund will continue to provide long-term support for the beneficiaries,” Andy added.
As a whole, the Grab for Good initiative is a sustainable, long-term program that aims to empower more Indonesians and provide them with more choices and opportunities to better their lives through the usage of technology.
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