By: Dhita Karuniawati
In recent years, digitalization has become a crucial element in the reform of various government sectors, including social assistance (Bansos) programs. The Government of Indonesia, through the Ministry of Social Affairs and related institutions, continues to push for digital transformation to ensure more targeted, transparent, and efficient distribution of social assistance. Digitalization in distributing social assistance is not merely a technical innovation, but a strategic step to strengthen accountability and improve the effectiveness of social programs for the welfare of the people.
The social assistance program serves as a social safety net for the poor and vulnerable, especially during economic crises or natural disasters. However, this program faces various challenges, ranging from inaccurate beneficiary data, overlapping aid, to corruption and fund misuse.
Through digitalization, the government can minimize these issues. Information technology-based systems enable integrated and real-time data management. Thus, social assistance recipient data can be verified and updated periodically, avoiding duplicate recipients and ensuring that assistance is provided to those who truly need it.
One example of digitalization implementation in social assistance is the integration of the National Single Social and Economic Data (DTSEN) with other digital information systems, such as the National Identification Number (NIK) and bank accounts. Through this system, the government can ensure that aid is received directly by legitimate beneficiaries without intermediaries who might misuse the funds.
Technology also enables tracking of aid distribution from central government to the hands of recipients. The use of applications and distribution management systems ensures transparency of fund flows, from budgeting, disbursement, to receipt in the field. The digital reports generated can also be accessed directly by supervisory institutions and the general public, thus facilitating the auditing process and strengthening public oversight.
Digitalization also offers efficiency benefits. With processes fully automated and digitized, social assistance distribution costs can be reduced. For example, aid distributed via bank accounts or digital wallets eliminates the need for physical distribution, which requires large logistics and carries risks of loss or delays.
In addition, digital verification and validation processes allow for faster identification of eligible beneficiaries. In the context of rapid disaster or emergency response, digitalization accelerates decision-making and aid disbursement.
Chairman of the National Economic Council (DEN), Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, highlighted the importance of digitalizing social assistance programs as the key to providing more targeted, transparent, and efficient services. President Prabowo Subianto has also emphasized the urgency of accelerating the digital transformation of public services, particularly in the social protection system.
One of the main initiatives currently being prepared is the Perlindungan Sosial Portal (Perlinsos Portal), a unified platform supported by DPI, which includes digital population identity, biometric data as authentication tools, and SPLP as a Data Exchange Platform. Through this portal, the public can access verification, registration, and social assistance management processes digitally, independently, securely, and easily. In the initial phase, two main programs will become the focus of the pilot project: the Family Hope Program (PKH) and Non-Cash Food Assistance (BPNT).
Luhut stated that Banyuwangi Regency has been designated as the national pilot location due to its digital infrastructure readiness and the local government’s commitment to promoting public service innovation.
He also underlined the importance of implementing a solid and coordinated pilot project, accompanied by comprehensive evaluation and concrete recommendations, so that this model can be replicated nationally in the near future. This process symbolizes a joint commitment to delivering inclusive, adaptive, and data-driven public services. In this way, integrated digital governance that has a real impact on the welfare of the Indonesian people can be realized.
Meanwhile, Minister of Communication and Digital (Menkomdigi), Meutya Hafid, stated that her ministry supports the digitalization of Social Protection Programs, especially in aid distribution through the Family Hope Program (PKH). Her ministry has prepared essential infrastructure to ensure that social assistance distribution proceeds accurately, quickly, and securely.
Meutya emphasized that the Government Service Linkage System (SPLP) used in Bansos digitalization operates effectively and securely from cyberattacks. SPLP is a crucial system connecting data and services of the Electronic-Based Government System (SPBE) across ministries, institutions, and local governments.
She also urged ministries, institutions, and regional governments to provide access to data related to Social Protection Programs to ensure that social assistance distribution is accurately targeted, based on precise data.
The success of Bansos digitalization heavily depends on multi-stakeholder collaboration. The government cannot work alone. Support from the private sector, financial institutions, civil society organizations, and media is needed to strengthen existing systems and educate the public.
Public participation is also essential in encouraging accountability. Communities must be given space to report irregularities or injustices in the distribution of social assistance. Involving citizens in data updating and distribution monitoring will enhance the sense of ownership and trust in government programs.
Digitalizing social assistance is not merely a technological transformation but a significant step towards clean, transparent, and responsive governance. With an integrated, accountable, and efficient system, the government can address poverty challenges more accurately and sustainably. Amid global uncertainties, digitalization serves as an essential foundation to ensure that no citizen is left out of the social protection system.
*) The author is a Contributor at the Indonesian Institute for Strategic Information Studies
