Jakarta – As the holy month of Ramadan begins, the government has once again distributed Non-Cash Food Assistance (BPNT) to eligible beneficiaries. The Rp600,000 assistance is being disbursed in stages to help ease the economic burden on beneficiary families, particularly in meeting their basic needs during the fasting month.
The Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos) has officially started distributing the first phase of regular social assistance (bansos) for the 2026 fiscal year in February. The Family Hope Program (PKH) and the Non-Cash Food Assistance (BPNT) are the main programs, targeting around 18 million Beneficiary Families (KPM) across Indonesia.
Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf, commonly known as Gus Ipul, stated that the disbursement of regular social assistance, including PKH and BPNT, has been underway since February 2026. His statement also refuted rumors suggesting delays or termination of social assistance this year. The first phase of distribution covers the January–March 2026 period.
“The regular social assistance will begin to be distributed, possibly in February, to around 18 million beneficiary families, including PKH and basic food assistance,” said Gus Ipul.
Under the BPNT or Basic Food Program, each beneficiary family receives Rp200,000 per month. With a quarterly disbursement scheme, the total amount received in the first phase is Rp600,000. Meanwhile, the amount of PKH assistance varies depending on the beneficiary category. Pregnant or postpartum mothers and children aged 0–6 each receive Rp750,000 per three months. Elementary school students receive Rp225,000, junior high school students Rp375,000, and senior high school students Rp500,000. Elderly individuals aged 60 and above, as well as persons with severe disabilities, receive Rp600,000 per three months.
The assistance funds are distributed non-cash through Family Welfare Card (KKS) accounts linked to state-owned banks under the Himbara group, such as BRI, BNI, Mandiri, and BSI. For beneficiaries in 3T areas (disadvantaged, frontier, and outermost regions), elderly recipients, or persons with disabilities who face difficulties accessing ATMs, distribution is also carried out through PT Pos Indonesia. This mechanism requires an official invitation letter, a valid ID card (KTP), and a Family Card (KK) upon collection at the post office. Door-to-door delivery services are even provided for recipients who are severely ill.
Through the gradual distribution of BPNT, the government hopes that people can observe Ramadan with greater peace of mind, free from concerns over basic necessities. The program also reflects the state’s commitment to safeguarding public welfare, especially for vulnerable groups, amid ongoing economic challenges.
