45% of Social Assistance in Indonesia is Not Properly Targeted

According to the Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos), 45% of social assistance (bansos) recipients in the Family Hope Program (PKH) and staple food assistance programs are ineligible.

The value of misdirected bansos is estimated to be around Rp14 trillion to Rp17 trillion.

Based on the updated National Single Social and Economic Data (DTSEN), 1.29 million beneficiary families (KPM) are deemed ineligible to receive staple food bansos from the government.

Furthermore, 616,367 KPM recipients of PKH assistance are considered ineligible for the program's benefits.

To reduce misdirected bansos, the government will conduct a digitalization trial, including through the Pilot Perlinsos Digital program with updates to the Digital Population Identity (IKD).

"The significant amount of misdirected bansos is the main reason for the government to immediately improve the existing system," wrote Kemensos in its official Instagram post on Sunday (September 21, 2025).

Through IKD activation, eligible KPM recipients are expected to be clearly verified. This digitalization program also claims to monitor bansos distribution transparently, securely, and accountably.