By: Dhita Karuniawati )*
The President of the Republic of Indonesia, Prabowo Subianto, has demonstrated his commitment to strengthening social protection for all segments of society by taking strategic steps to accelerate the distribution of social assistance (Bansos) and expand the scope of beneficiaries. This initiative is a key component of the Prabowo-Gibran administration’s priority agenda in responding to the socio-economic challenges still faced by communities in the post-pandemic period, global uncertainties, and inflationary pressures affecting the purchasing power of the lower-middle class. The acceleration and expansion of the Bansos program not only reflect the government’s alignment with vulnerable groups but also serve as a medium-term strategy to strengthen the foundations of public welfare, maintain social stability, and promote inclusive economic participation.
The government reported that social assistance disbursement reached Rp 20.26 trillion in the first half of this year. The Directorate General of Treasury at the Ministry of Finance explained that as of July 9, 2025, cash assistance amounting to Rp 200,000 had been distributed to 18.2 million Beneficiary Families (KPM), reaching 97.2% of the target recipients. Previously, assistance was distributed in the form of rice. Now, the government distributes cash assistance of Rp 200,000 per month to each Beneficiary Family.
The distribution of Bansos is carried out through the Ministry of Social Affairs and delivered to Beneficiary Families based on the government’s latest socio-economic data source, the National Unified Socio-Economic Data (DTSEN). The government officially adopted DTSEN as the basis for Bansos distribution starting in the second quarter of 2025. This policy is expected to ensure that distributions such as the Family Hope Program (PKH) and basic food packages are more accurately targeted. DTSEN is the latest data system replacing DTKS as the primary reference for Bansos distribution in Indonesia. The data integrates various sources from ministries and agencies and is strictly verified by Statistics Indonesia (BPS) and the Financial and Development Supervisory Agency (BPKP). Therefore, only families registered and validated in DTSEN are eligible to receive PKH, basic food packages, and other social programs.
In addition to acceleration, the government is also expanding Bansos coverage by adding new categories of beneficiaries previously not included, such as informal workers affected by layoffs, elderly people without stable incomes, and marginalized groups in remote areas.
The government’s plan to provide permanent or lifetime Bansos to vulnerable groups such as the elderly, persons with disabilities, and people with mental disorders (ODGJ) has received positive responses from members of the House of Representatives (DPR). DPR member Netty Prasetiyani expressed full support for the government’s plan to provide ongoing assistance to vulnerable groups like the elderly, people with disabilities, and ODGJ, calling it a concrete form of protection.
Netty considers this policy a recognition by the state of the basic needs of citizens who cannot support themselves independently due to permanent conditions. Nevertheless, she emphasized the importance of supervision to ensure that the program truly reaches its targeted recipients, is transparent, and directly addresses the needs of vulnerable groups on the ground.
There must be validation and integration of Bansos recipient data involving various stakeholders, from local governments, disability organizations, elderly communities, to local community leaders, to ensure that the assistance reaches the right recipients. This is important as many vulnerable citizens remain unregistered or lack a national ID (NIK), despite needing state support. Beyond data collection, Netty also encouraged that Bansos should not only be consumptive but also include ongoing assistance, especially for productive persons with disabilities and active elderly people who still have capacity. Disbursing Bansos does not mean the state’s responsibility ends. Psychosocial support, family training, and empowerment programs for people with disabilities should be integral parts of the program.
Previously, the Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment, Muhaimin Iskandar, stated that people with disabilities, the elderly, and ODGJ would receive permanent Bansos. For other vulnerable groups, assistance will be limited to a maximum of five years. Under President Prabowo, the government is also pushing for the digitalization of Bansos distribution. Through cooperation between the Ministry of Social Affairs, Bank Himbara, and PT Pos Indonesia, the distribution process is carried out in non-cash form to minimize irregularities and expedite distribution.
Technologies such as biometric identification systems and NIK-based verification are also being used to ensure accurate targeting of assistance. The integrated database is continuously updated through active collaboration with local governments, neighborhood units (RT/RW), and social volunteers. The acceleration and expansion of Bansos are believed to provide a dual benefit: maintaining the community’s purchasing power and reducing social inequality. Amid global challenges such as geopolitical instability, food crises, and climate change, social protection has become a primary instrument for maintaining domestic economic resilience.
With concrete steps to accelerate Bansos distribution and expand social coverage, President Prabowo Subianto’s administration demonstrates that protecting the poor, vulnerable, and economically affected populations is not mere rhetoric but is being implemented systematically and progressively. This policy is expected not only to ease the short-term burdens of society but also to serve as a stepping stone toward a more independent, empowered, and inclusive society in national development.
*) Contributor at the Indonesian Strategic Information Studies Institute
