By: Rivka Mayangsari*)
The Indonesian government continues to take strategic steps to strengthen the governance of social assistance (bansos). One important breakthrough currently underway is the digital transformation of social assistance distribution to make it more transparent, accountable, and targeted. This step is not merely a technical modernization but also part of the government’s moral responsibility to ensure the future of millions of Indonesian families who depend on social protection.
The Deputy Minister of State Apparatus Empowerment and Bureaucratic Reform (PANRB), Purwadi Arianto, emphasized that the transformation of targeted social assistance is a constitutional mandate and a manifestation of the state’s commitment to protecting its citizens. By utilizing Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), which encompasses digital identity, data exchange, and digital payments, these perennial issues can be gradually addressed.
Purwadi believes that for this effort to be consistent, a special Presidential Instruction (Inpres) is needed to bind all ministries, institutions, and regional governments to work with a single vision. Only with a shared commitment can the digital transformation of social assistance deliver accurate, fair, and transparent social protection. He also emphasized the importance of collaboration between agencies, particularly in opening up data access, exchanging information, and eliminating excessive bureaucratic barriers.
In line with this, Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf, also known as Gus Ipul, explained that the government has begun a trial of digital-based social assistance distribution through the Social Protection Portal (Perlinsos). This digital platform, developed by the National Economic Council, has been operational for the past three months. In the initial phase, the trial covers two of the Ministry of Social Affairs’ main programs: the Family Hope Program (PKH) and Non-Cash Food Assistance (Bantuan Sembako).
With this new system, eligible individuals can register directly through the Perlinsos app. Furthermore, for those without smartphones, the government has deployed over 2,000 assistants to assist with the registration process. This demonstrates that the digitalization of social assistance is not intended to complicate matters, but rather to facilitate access for the public to ensure their rights are fulfilled.
Gus Ipul emphasized that digitalizing social assistance is not just about technology, but also a tool for transparency and public participation. Through Perlinsos, the public can monitor and ensure that aid reaches those who deserve it. Public involvement can create a fairer and more transparent social assistance system, thereby increasing public trust in the government.
The implementation of the social assistance digitalization trial has also received a positive response from the regional government. Banyuwangi Regent Ipuk Fiestiandani expressed her appreciation to the central government for selecting her region as the trial location. She assessed that this step has brought significant changes to social assistance governance, as the distribution process is now more transparent, targeted, and accountable.
According to Ipuk, if this program is successful, the community will be the biggest beneficiaries. Well-targeted social assistance reduces the risk of social injustice while ensuring that every rupiah of the state budget is optimally utilized. She hopes this program can continue to be expanded so that its benefits are felt by communities throughout Indonesia, not just in the pilot areas.
The digital transformation of social assistance through Perlinsos also supports the government’s broader agenda of building a national digital ecosystem. Integrated digital identity, electronic payment systems, and cross-agency data exchange mechanisms are essential foundations for a more modern and inclusive Indonesia. This technology can minimize the potential for budget misuse and strengthen state accountability in providing social protection.
On the other hand, digitalization also opens up opportunities for budget efficiency. Previously cumbersome administrative processes can be streamlined, resulting in lower operational costs. The state funds saved through these efficiencies can be reallocated to increase the number of beneficiaries or expand the types of assistance. Thus, the impact of social assistance is not only more targeted but also broader in reach.
Furthermore, the digitalization of social assistance plays a role in promoting financial inclusion. With a digital payment system, millions of beneficiary families are automatically connected to formal financial services. This will expand their access to savings, microcredit, and other economic empowerment programs. Ultimately, social assistance recipients will no longer be solely dependent on aid but will also have the opportunity to improve their well-being independently.
The government’s bold move to transform social assistance symbolizes its commitment to continuous innovation for the benefit of the people. The Perlinsos pilot is just the beginning of a long journey toward a truly fair, transparent, and sustainable national social assistance system. With full support from the public, government agencies, and other stakeholders, the digitalization of social assistance will be a significant milestone in social development in Indonesia.
The government is optimistic that through the digitalization of social assistance, the face of Indonesia’s social protection will change for the better. Aid will no longer be hampered by bureaucracy or misdirected, but will instead arrive on time, to the right recipients, and to the right benefits. Furthermore, the resulting transparency will strengthen public trust in the state and affirm the government’s role as a guardian devoted to upholding social justice for all Indonesians.
*) Social observer
