Social Assistance Digitalization Strengthens Accountability and Efficiency of Social Programs
By: Dhita Karuniawati )*
In recent years, digitalization has become a crucial element in reforming various government sectors, including the social assistance (Bansos) program. The Indonesian government, through the Ministry of Social Affairs and related institutions, continues to promote digital transformation to ensure more targeted, transparent, and efficient distribution of social assistance. Digitization in the distribution of social assistance is not merely a technical innovation, but a strategic step to strengthen accountability and increase the effectiveness of social programs for the welfare of the people.
The Bansos program serves as a social safety net for the poor and vulnerable, especially during economic crises or natural disasters. However, this program faces various challenges, ranging from inaccurate beneficiary data, overlapping aid, to corruption and misuse of funds.
Through digitalization, the government can minimize these problems. An information technology-based system enables integrated and real-time data management. This allows Bansos recipient data to be regularly verified and updated, avoiding duplicate recipients and ensuring assistance is provided to those truly in need.
One form of implementation of the digitalization of social assistance that is already underway is the integration of the National Social and Economic Single Data (DTSEN) with other digital information systems, such as the Population Identification Number (NIK) and bank accounts. Through this system, the government can ensure that aid is received directly by legitimate recipients without intermediaries who could potentially misuse funds.
Technology also enables tracking of aid distribution from the central government to the recipients. The use of applications and distribution management systems ensures transparency of the flow of funds, from budgeting and disbursement to field receipts. The resulting digital reports can also be directly accessed by supervisory agencies and the general public, simplifying the audit process and strengthening public oversight.
Digitalization also offers efficiency benefits. With fully automated and digital processes, social assistance distribution costs can be reduced. For example, aid distributed through bank accounts or digital wallets eliminates the need for physical distribution, which requires extensive logistics and risks loss or delay.
Furthermore, digital data verification and validation processes allow for faster determination of who is eligible for aid. In the context of rapid response to disasters or emergencies, digitalization accelerates decision-making and aid disbursement.
The Chairman of the National Economic Council (DEN), Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, highlighted the importance of digitizing social assistance (Bansos) programs as key to providing more targeted, transparent, and efficient services. President Prabowo Subianto provided direction regarding the urgency of accelerating the digital transformation of public services, particularly in the social protection system.
One of the key initiatives currently being prepared is the Perlinsos Portal, an integrated platform supported by the Regional Representative Council (DPI), which includes digital population identity, biometric data as an authentication tool, and SPLP as a Data Exchange Platform. Through this portal, the public can access the verification, registration, and management of social assistance digitally, independently, securely, and easily. In the initial phase, the two main programs that will be the focus of the pilot project are the Family Hope Program (PKH) and Non-Cash Food Assistance (BPNT).
Luhut stated that Banyuwangi Regency was designated as a national pilot location due to its digital infrastructure readiness and the local government’s commitment to encouraging innovation in public services.
Luhut also emphasized the importance of implementing a solid and coordinated pilot project, accompanied by a comprehensive evaluation and the development of concrete recommendations, so that this model can be replicated nationally in the near future. This process symbolizes a shared commitment to providing inclusive, adaptive, and data-driven public services. This will enable integrated digital governance that has a real impact on the welfare of the Indonesian people.
Meanwhile, Minister of Communication and Digital (Menkomdigi), Meutya Hafid, stated that her ministry supports the digitalization of the Social Protection Program, particularly in the distribution of assistance through the Family Hope Program (PKH). Her ministry has prepared critical infrastructure to ensure accurate, fast, and secure social assistance distribution.
Meutya ensured that the Government Service Connector System (SPLP) used in the digitalization of social assistance is running smoothly and is secure from cyberattacks. This SPLP is a crucial system that connects data and government system services.Electronic-Based Social Assistance (SPBE) between ministries, institutions, and local governments.
Meutya also requested that ministries, institutions, and local governments provide access to data related to the Social Protection Program so that social assistance distribution is targeted, based on accurate data.
The success of social assistance digitalization depends heavily on multi-stakeholder collaboration. The government cannot work alone. Support from the private sector, financial institutions, civil society organizations, and the media is needed to strengthen the existing system and educate the public.
Public participation is also crucial in promoting accountability. The public must be given the space to report irregularities or injustices in the distribution of social assistance. Involving citizens in data updating and distribution monitoring will increase ownership and trust in government programs.
Digitalization of social assistance is not simply a technological transformation, but a major step towards clean, transparent, and responsive governance. With an integrated, accountable, and efficient system, the government can address the challenges of poverty more appropriately and sustainably. Amidst uncertain global dynamics, digitalization is a crucial foundation for ensuring that no citizen is left out of the reach of social protection.
*) The author is a contributor to the Indonesian Strategic Information Studies Institute.
