Jakarta – The government has assured that the distribution of social assistance (bansos) will continue as planned despite the implementation of the budget efficiency policy.
Deputy Minister of Social Affairs, Agus Jabo, stated that social assistance, including the Family Hope Program (PKH), will not be impacted by the efficiency measures currently being implemented.
“The important thing is that bansos and PKH assistance will not be affected by this efficiency,” said Agus Jabo.
The budget efficiency measures applied by the government cover various operational spending aspects, such as office supplies, focus group discussions (FGD), study visits, and business trips. However, the Ministry of Social Affairs has ensured that the distribution of social assistance will proceed without disruption.
This efficiency initiative is part of Presidential Instruction (Inpres) No. 1 of 2025, which instructs ministries and agencies to make savings in the state budget for the 2025 fiscal year amounting to IDR 306.6 trillion. The efficiency includes a reduction of ministry/agency budgets by IDR 256.1 trillion and a reduction of transfers to regions by IDR 50.5 trillion.
Finance Minister, Sri Mulyani, followed up on this instruction by issuing letter S-37/MK.02/2025, which regulates budget efficiency for ministries and agencies in the 2025 fiscal year. The letter stipulates that 16 budget items will be cut by varying percentages, ranging from 10% to 90%.
Some of the budget savings include a 90% reduction in office supplies, 56.9% in ceremonial activities, 45% in meetings and seminars, and 53.9% in business trips. Nevertheless, the Ministry of Social Affairs has anticipated that these efficiencies will not affect social assistance programs.
Additionally, even though efficiency measures are applied to operational spending, social welfare programs continue to receive adequate budget allocations.
Deputy Minister of Social Affairs, Agus Jabo, added that his ministry is adjusting the distribution of social assistance to ensure it is not disrupted by the budget efficiency policy. “We are currently adjusting it so that the distribution process remains unaffected,” he said.
One strategy being implemented is optimizing the data collection and distribution processes to make them more efficient, thereby reducing operational costs without compromising the rights of the social assistance recipients. Digitalization and the use of information technology are key solutions in ensuring that social assistance is still distributed effectively.
Amid these budget-saving efforts, the public is assured that social assistance programs will not be halted. The government remains committed to providing social protection for those in need.
Supervision of social assistance distribution has also been tightened to prevent misuse and ensure the assistance reaches the right recipients. Collaboration between the central government, regional authorities, and other relevant parties is being strengthened to ensure the effectiveness of social assistance distribution.
Programs such as PKH and Non-Cash Food Assistance (BPNT) remain key instruments in the government’s effort to reduce poverty. Therefore, despite the budget efficiency measures, these programs continue to be prioritized.
The continuity of social assistance demonstrates the government’s commitment to caring for the welfare of the underprivileged, even under pressure to implement budget efficiency. As such, the public can rest assured that social assistance will continue without disruption. The efficiency measures also will not affect the number of recipients. The government will maintain the number of beneficiaries according to previously verified data.
Support from various parties, including social institutions and community organizations, is also crucial for the sustainability of the social assistance programs. This collaboration ensures that no one is left behind in receiving their rights.
In conclusion, the ongoing distribution of social assistance despite the budget efficiency policy reflects the government’s strong commitment to maintaining the welfare of the people. Through strategic steps and tight supervision, it is expected that the social assistance programs will continue to operate optimally to improve the well-being of the population.
