Digitizing Social Assistance is a Strategic Step for the Government to Ensure Targeted Distribution
Jakarta – The government continues to push for a transformation in the governance of social assistance (bansos) distribution through digitalization. A trial of a digital social assistance system conducted through the social protection portal (Perlinsos) is considered effective in increasing transparency, expanding public participation, and strengthening program accountability.
Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul) emphasized that the digitization of social assistance is a crucial step in opening up space for public engagement. Through this new system, the public can submit suggestions and objections directly. He explained that previously, data collection on social assistance recipients was largely handled by the government. Now, the space for public participation is being expanded to make the process more inclusive and transparent.
“Now we want to expand public participation, giving everyone the opportunity to make suggestions or object,” said Gus Ipul at a meeting of the Government Digital Transformation Acceleration Committee (KPTDP) in Banyuwangi, East Java, Thursday (2/10).
This digitalization has been piloted for three months, covering the Family Hope Program (PKH) and Non-Cash Food Assistance. Tubagus Nugraha, Executive Director for Priority Program Policy Synchronization at the National Economic Council (DEN), stated that the social assistance registration process has become simpler. Residents only need to verify their identity using facial recognition and biometrics on their smartphones.
“The system will verify the eligibility of aid recipients. A panel of experts from the Ministry of Social Affairs, BPS, and relevant ministries will assess the eligibility of beneficiary groups. Of the target 320,000 applicants, 260,000 have been registered so far,” explained Tubagus.
The Head of the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), Amalia Adininggar Widyasanti, emphasized that this program also supports the updating of the National Socioeconomic Single Data (DTSEN). She stated that data accuracy is key to more targeted social assistance distribution.
“Collaboration on social assistance digitalization is crucial in modernizing the updating and management of the National Disaster Management Agency (DTSEN), ensuring that social assistance distribution is more accurate and tailored to needs,” Amalia stated.
Meanwhile, Deputy Minister of Administrative and Bureaucratic Reform, Purwadi Arianto, added that his office plays a role in connecting ministries, institutions, and regional governments so that this trial runs in line with the one data concept.
“We are trying to collaborate with all parties so that the sustainability of this activity can be replicated in other areas,” he said.
Banyuwangi Regent Ipuk Fiestiandani, whose region is serving as a pilot project, expressed his appreciation to the central government. He believes this program will significantly benefit communities on the ground.
“We are ready to fully support this social assistance digitalization program. If successful, the community will experience tangible benefits because aid will be more targeted and accountability will be maintained,” said Ipuk.
Through this step, the digitalization of social assistance is expected to create transparent, participatory, and efficient aid governance, while strengthening public trust in the government’s social protection programs.
