Airlangga Speaks Out on Social Assistance Decile That Shocked Residents: Based on Census Data

Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto has spoken out regarding the controversy over decile categories that has recently been widely discussed by the public. A number of residents have reported receiving decile categories deemed inconsistent with their economic conditions.

Airlangga explained that the decile classification uses a database collected through a census mechanism. According to him, the data has been incorporated into the National Single Social and Economic Data (DTSEN).

“The decile is based on the economic census. So, the DTSEN (National Single Social and Economic Data) already exists,” said Airlangga at AYANA Midplaza, Central Jakarta, on Thursday, 20 August 2026.

However, Airlangga did not explain in detail the indicators used as the basis for determining decile categories, including whether the grouping refers to the level of public expenditure or asset ownership.

He only emphasised that the various economic indicators used in the determination were collected through survey methods.

“Yes, it is based on surveys,” said Airlangga.

The decile controversy emerged after members of the public began checking their welfare status independently. Some residents expressed shock at the decile category they received, which they felt did not reflect their family’s current economic conditions.

According to the official Cek Bansos website of the Ministry of Social Affairs, a decile is a family welfare group whose measurement is based on a number of socio-economic variables.

These variables include information about individuals within the family, such as employment and education. In addition, there is also information regarding housing conditions, including the condition of the house and electrical power.

Asset ownership is also part of the information included in these socio-economic variables.

The public can check their decile status through the website dtsen-form.bps.go.id by entering their National Identity Number (NIK).

One resident who reported being shocked by the decile check result is Fitri, a housewife in Bekasi, West Java.

Fitri said she received a decile 10 category. In this grouping, decile 10 is the group with the highest level of welfare.

The result led Fitri to question the decile category determination, as she felt it did not reflect her family’s financial condition.