Jakarta – The Indonesian government continues to demonstrate its commitment to safeguarding public purchasing power and strengthening the social safety net through equitable and well-targeted distribution of social assistance (bansos). Throughout the first half of 2025, the government has disbursed a total of IDR 20 trillion in social assistance, covering various aid programs designed to reach vulnerable groups and low-income communities across the country.
Member of the House of Representatives (DPR RI), Netty Prasetiyani, expressed her support for the government’s plan to provide permanent social assistance to vulnerable groups such as the elderly, persons with disabilities, and people with mental disorders (ODGJ).
“We welcome and fully support the government’s plan to provide ongoing social assistance to vulnerable groups. This is a concrete step in providing protection,” said Netty.
She views this policy as a form of state recognition of the basic needs of citizens who are unable to live independently due to permanent conditions.
Netty also emphasized the importance of strong oversight to ensure the program is well-targeted, transparent, and directly addresses the needs of vulnerable communities in the field. She noted that many vulnerable individuals remain undocumented or lack a National Identity Number (NIK), even though they are in urgent need of state assistance.
“There must be validation and integration of beneficiary data, involving various parties—from local governments, disability organizations, elderly communities, to local community leaders—to ensure aid is properly targeted,” she stated.
Previously, Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment (Menko PM), Muhaimin Iskandar (commonly known as Cak Imin), stated that people in the categories of persons with disabilities, the elderly, and ODGJ will receive permanent social assistance.
“As of today, we have concluded that we will provide permanent social assistance for persons with disabilities, the elderly, and ODGJ,” said Cak Imin.
The distribution of social assistance is aimed at supporting economic recovery. By providing fiscal space for poor families to meet their basic needs without sacrificing other essential expenditures, social assistance serves as a vital instrument in maintaining household consumption, which is a key driver of domestic economic growth. Across various regions, bansos has proven effective in alleviating the financial burden on communities, especially in facing rising living costs.
Additionally, the government ensures that the implementation of this program prioritizes transparency, accountability, and strict oversight. Collaboration between central and local governments, as well as internal and external supervisory agencies, continues to be strengthened to minimize the potential for misuse.
