BPNT and Household Resilience During RamadanBy: Nona Azma Zatulini )*
The month of Ramadan always presents two faces for Indonesian society. On one hand, it is a spiritual momentum filled with blessings; on the other, it brings economic challenges, particularly for underprivileged households that must manage higher expenses for food and preparations for Eid al-Fitr. In this context, the Non-Cash Food Assistance (BPNT) policy and various government socio-economic stimulus measures serve as crucial pillars of household resilience.
Through the Ministry of Social Affairs under the leadership of Saifullah Yusuf, also known as Gus Ipul, the government has announced a substantial budget allocation of Rp39.8 trillion specifically for social assistance distribution in the first quarter of this year, coinciding with the holy month of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr 2026. This allocation is not merely a figure in a fiscal document, but a tangible representation of the state’s commitment to vulnerable groups.
This step is intended as both a national economic stimulus and a measure to ensure community food security during major religious observances. From a social welfare perspective, the policy has two strategic dimensions. First, social protection to safeguard the purchasing power of low-income communities from seasonal demand-driven price pressures. Second, economic recovery and strengthening, as every rupiah of social assistance spent circulates through traditional markets, grocery stalls, and food-related micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
The government’s commitment to completing the remaining disbursements before Eid demonstrates sensitivity to timing. Delays during such a crucial period could directly affect household consumption patterns. Therefore, the use of two primary distribution channels—state-owned bank associations (Himbara) through the Family Welfare Card (KKS) and PT Pos Indonesia—reflects a strategy that prioritizes accessibility and financial inclusion. This scheme minimizes geographical barriers while ensuring assistance is accurately delivered.
Gus Ipul also emphasized that beneficiary targets are determined through a priority scale based on updated welfare data. A data-driven approach is essential to maintain accountability and prevent both exclusion and inclusion errors. In modern social policy practice, integrated and continuously updated data systems form the foundation for ensuring programs reach those who need them most.
On another front, this policy is reinforced by coordinated measures at the central level. Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indrawijaya stated that President Prabowo Subianto will launch several economic stimulus initiatives ahead of Eid al-Fitr 1447 Hijri in 2026. These policies are designed to maintain inflation stability while preserving public purchasing power during Ramadan and Eid.
The stimulus package includes not only food assistance distribution but also transportation fare discounts—covering airline tickets, trains, sea transport, and land transport—as well as toll road fee reductions to support smooth homecoming (mudik) and return travel flows. This demonstrates that the government views household resilience comprehensively, encompassing not only food consumption but also mobility costs and social connectivity.
For underprivileged families, savings on transportation costs can create additional fiscal space within household budgets. Funds initially allocated for travel can instead be redirected toward children’s nutrition, school preparation, or emergency savings. At a macro level, transportation discounts also stimulate regional economic activity, strengthen domestic tourism, and increase revenues for local businesses in hometown areas.
Amid easing inflation trends, cross-ministerial and inter-agency collaboration is expected to maintain price stability while encouraging national economic activity. Price stability is a fundamental prerequisite for household resilience. Without it, even substantial assistance can be eroded by price spikes. Therefore, the combination of social assistance, inflation control, and mobility stimulus forms a complementary policy package.
From a social perspective, BPNT is not merely an aid distribution instrument but also a means of preserving beneficiaries’ dignity. The non-cash mechanism through KKS enables recipient families to choose food items according to their needs, making it more adaptive to local preferences and conditions. This flexibility is crucial to maintaining consumption quality while reducing potential market distortions.
Of course, implementation challenges remain—from data validity and banking infrastructure readiness in remote areas to beneficiaries’ financial literacy. However, the government’s commitment to continuously improving systems and accelerating disbursement reflects an understanding that program success is measured not only by budget size but also by precision and real impact on the ground.
Ramadan should be a month of tranquility, not economic anxiety. When the state is present through BPNT and supporting stimulus measures, households gain sufficient cushioning to maintain consumption stability, improve nutritional quality, and remain productive. Amid global dynamics and significant economic challenges, adaptive and responsive social policies like these deserve appreciation.
As a society, we must fully support the food assistance and economic stimulus policies initiated by the government. Such support can be demonstrated by ensuring transparent distribution, collectively monitoring accurate targeting, and using assistance wisely for priority household needs. With synergy between government and society, BPNT will not merely be a routine program, but a solid foundation for Indonesian household resilience during Ramadan and beyond.
*) The author is the Coordinator of the Community for Citizens’ Welfare Advocacy