The Government Strengthens the Social Assistance System, Free of Online Gambling, for the Sake of Public Welfare
By: Faiz Suryawan (*
The Indonesian government continues to demonstrate a strategic and responsive commitment to preventing the misuse of social assistance (bansos), particularly for online gambling. This commitment is reflected in the strong synergy between the Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos), the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK), and Bank Indonesia. This collaboration aims to ensure that social assistance distribution is targeted and truly benefits the community’s well-being.
Data collected by the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) last year indicated significant online gambling activity among some social assistance recipients. Following these findings, the Ministry of Social Affairs evaluated more than 600,000 suspicious recipient accounts, and 228,000 Beneficiary Families (KPM) had their assistance discontinued in the second quarter. Verification of the remaining recipients is ongoing for distribution in the third quarter.
The government emphasized that all these steps are being carried out carefully and responsibly, with reference to banking data and the National Socio-Economic Single Data System (DTSEN), the accuracy of which has been enhanced in accordance with the Presidential Instruction. This step is part of an ongoing effort to ensure that social assistance reaches those who truly need it, while also ensuring the program remains transparent and on-target.
The Minister of Social Affairs, Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul), revealed that the Ministry of Social Affairs has stopped the distribution of social assistance to more than 200,000 recipients suspected of using the funds for online gambling. This decision was made after data matching between 30 million NIK recipients of social assistance and 9 million NIK players traced by the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK), with the permission of President Prabowo Subianto. Based on initial findings, more than 600,000 social assistance recipients are suspected of being involved in online gambling activities, and of these, more than 200,000 recipients have had their funds stopped.
Gus Ipul requested that Bank Indonesia examine the accounts of social assistance recipients suspected of having unusual balances, such as balances of IDR 5 million or more that remain unused without active transactions. This step is part of a data-matching effort with the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) to ensure that social assistance is being used appropriately. If misuse is found, assistance will be diverted to more deserving recipients. The government reiterated its commitment to ensuring that social assistance is targeted and provides tangible benefits to the community.
Remaining recipients still undergoing evaluation will be determined for eligibility in the third quarter. The social assistance funds they previously received will be transferred to more deserving recipients, particularly those in deciles 1 to 4. This measure aims to ensure that social assistance reaches its intended recipients and is not misused for personal gain, harming the wider community.
Jakarta Governor Pramono Anung responded to the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) findings regarding 15,033 social assistance recipients in Jakarta suspected of involvement in online gambling. In response, the Jakarta Provincial Government decided not to revoke their social assistance rights but instead to take steps to provide guidance and education. This approach is part of a humanitarian effort that emphasizes the protection of vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, children, and people with disabilities. Governor Pramono emphasized that the government is present not only as a law enforcer, but also as a protector and guide for the community to prevent them from engaging in behavior that is detrimental to themselves and their social environment.
East Java Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa expressed her support for the national social assistance evaluation program, emphasizing that local data audits will continue to ensure that recipients of social assistance accurately reflect field data. The province is actively assisting the Ministry of Social Affairs in strengthening local data validation and fostering synergy between districts and cities to manage data on social assistance recipients. Khofifah also emphasized the importance of public education, particularly through outreach and digital literacy activities, to ensure that people understand the risks of online gambling and utilize social assistance funds appropriately. The provincial government’s contribution is crucial in ensuring the safe and productive distribution of social assistance.
The government is not only taking enforcement action but also building a more progressive and sustainable system. Through financial and digital literacy programs, social assistance recipients are equipped with an understanding of basic financial management, how to recognize data errors, and the risks of online gambling traps. The primary goal is to ensure that social assistance is used for its intended purpose, namely to meet basic family needs such as education, healthcare, and food consumption.
On the other hand, the central and regional governments provide complaint mechanisms for people who feel their rights have been improperly revoked. Complaints can be submitted along with supporting evidence and will be verified with the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) and the Ministry of Social Affairs. This step was taken to ensure justice and uphold humanitarian principles in every policy implemented.
The government’s steps, which involve inter-agency coordination, strict data verification, and support for community participation, reflect a real commitment to ensuring that social assistance is used according to its intended purpose. The government is not only focused on stopping the misuse of social assistance but also continues to strengthen the data collection system, provide education to recipients, and provide a correction mechanism for errors. This approach emphasizes that social assistance is not just material assistance, but also a form of state responsibility in realizing social justice and increasing community empowerment.
)* The author is a Public Policy Observer
