49 PKH Assistants Dismissed for Violating Social Assistance Distribution Rules

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com - Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf stated that 49 Programme Keluarga Harapan (PKH) assistants have been dismissed due to violations in the distribution of social assistance (bansos). “I often remind about this; last year we warned nearly 500 assistants. Then 49 of them were dismissed. This year, four have also been dismissed,” said Gus Ipul during a press conference at the Ministry of Social Affairs office in Central Jakarta on Tuesday (5/5/2026). Gus Ipul, his familiar nickname, mentioned that PKH assistants are no longer volunteers but part of the ASN PPPK civil servants. Gus Ipul also reminded that the work of PKH assistants is monitored not only by official institutions but also by the wider community. Moreover, PKH assistants interact directly with the public on a daily basis. Gus Ipul also acknowledged that social assistance (bansos) has often been found to be inaccurately targeted, necessitating strict oversight. Therefore, the Ministry of Social Affairs, together with the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), conducts ground checks or direct field verifications to update data. “I am very grateful for the inputs from the public through apps, command centres, as well as through the DPR and Ombudsman. We follow up together with BPS by conducting ground checks to villages, districts, and cities to ensure accurate data,” said Gus Ipul.