By: Citra Kurnia Khudori)*
The government has once again rolled out the Non-Cash Food Assistance (BPNT) program as part of its strategy to maintain household consumption amid potential price pressures on staple goods during Ramadan. The distribution of BPNT is synchronized with other social programs to ensure that beneficiary families are able to meet their food needs as they enter the holy month of fasting.
BPNT not only provides support in the form of electronic balances that can be used to purchase rice, eggs, and cooking oil at designated e-warong outlets, but also strengthens the purchasing power of low-income communities during the long holiday period and a season traditionally marked by higher consumption. This assistance scheme is crucial, as household consumption generally increases during Ramadan, particularly for staple foods and iftar meals.
In this context, BPNT’s role as a non-cash food assistance program becomes increasingly vital in maintaining consumption stability and reducing the financial burden on families, while also cushioning the impact of seasonal inflation. With well-targeted distribution, BPNT is expected to serve as an effective social protection shield during the fasting month and the Eid celebration period.
The government has also introduced a new policy focusing assistance on households within deciles 1 to 4, the most economically vulnerable groups.
Previously, BPNT was accessible to households up to decile 5. However, starting from the first quarter of 2026, recipients are limited to deciles 1 through 4. Families in decile 5 who previously received assistance will be replaced by families from deciles 1–4 proposed through village or sub-district governments and local social affairs offices.
As emphasized by Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf, also known as Gus Ipul, the assistance aims to strengthen people’s purchasing power during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr 2026. The focus on deciles 1 to 4 refers to the National Integrated Socio-Economic Data (DTSEN) processed by Badan Pusat Statistik (BPS) and updated by the Ministry of Social Affairs.
Gus Ipul explained that the government distributes two types of social assistance: regular aid in the form of the Family Hope Program (PKH) and BPNT. The government has allocated Rp17.5 trillion for these two programs, targeting 18 million beneficiary families (KPM).
He also underscored the importance of data updating to ensure that social assistance is distributed evenly and accurately so that its benefits can be felt by all eligible communities. Distribution is carried out gradually from February to March 2026. Meanwhile, disbursement mechanisms are conducted through two main channels: state-owned banks under Himbara and PT Pos Indonesia.
In addition, Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto stressed that food assistance schemes in the form of physical commodities are considered more effective in easing price pressures compared to cash transfers. The distribution of food assistance ahead of Ramadan follows direct instructions from President Prabowo Subianto to maintain food price stability during the holy month. He stated that the government is committed to safeguarding people’s purchasing power and ensuring that prices remain under control.
Based on this, economic observer and Director of Digital Economy at the Center of Economic and Law Studies (Celios), Nailul Huda, noted that distributing assistance in the form of physical commodities can help maintain price stability because it directly increases market supply compared to cash transfers.
According to him, cash-based schemes have the potential to trigger demand-pull inflation, as beneficiaries’ purchasing power rises without a corresponding increase in supply. Nevertheless, Nailul emphasized that social assistance distribution must go hand in hand with food supply and price stabilization programs (SPHP).
Through these various measures, BPNT is not merely a routine social assistance program but a strategic instrument for maintaining balanced household consumption during Ramadan. Household consumption stability forms an important foundation for sustaining national economic growth amid food price dynamics.
The policy of focusing recipients on deciles 1 to 4 also reflects the government’s effort to improve targeting accuracy. This step is expected to ensure that assistance truly reaches families most in need.
On the other hand, synergy between DTSEN data updates, distribution oversight, and cross-ministerial coordination is key to the program’s success. Without accurate data and sound governance, the effectiveness of the substantial budget allocation would not be optimal.
Distribution through Himbara banks and PT Pos Indonesia also reflects a commitment to expanding access and simplifying the disbursement process. The phased distribution from February to March 2026 allows for better control to ensure orderly and timely delivery ahead of peak demand during Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr.
The food assistance approach in the form of physical commodities, as highlighted by policymakers and observers, serves as an important strategy to curb potential price spikes. The combination of increased supply and strengthened purchasing power is expected to prevent seasonal inflationary pressures that often occur.
Ultimately, Ramadan is not only a spiritual moment but also a test of social and economic resilience. Through a well-managed and well-targeted BPNT program, household consumption stability can be maintained, ensuring that the spirit of togetherness and peace in worship remains preserved.
)* Observer of socio-economic issues
