Digitalisation ensures transparent and fair distribution of social assistance

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Communication and Digital (Kemkomdigi) believes that by implementing a digital system, the distribution of social assistance (bansos) can become more transparent and fair.

Mira Tayyiba, Director General of Digital Government Technology at Kemkomintig, stated that social assistance data has previously lacked integration, leading to duplicate recipients and misdirected aid. Consequently, the government is strengthening the digitalisation of social protection (Perlinsos) to ensure that social assistance is more targeted, transparent, and easily accessible to the public.

“With a digital system, the process of distributing social assistance will be more transparent, rapid, and fair because everything is based on data and systems,” Mira said during a media discussion in Central Jakarta on Monday.

Verification of recipients will be conducted using facial biometrics connected to the Population and Civil Registration (Dukcapil) database. Through this system, citizens will eventually be able to check or apply for social assistance independently using their National Identity Number (NIK) via official government portals.

The government is also preparing a dispute mechanism for citizens who believe they are eligible for assistance but are not yet registered.

As an initial stage, trials are being conducted in Banyuwangi Regency, and starting from June 2026, the programme will expand to 42 regencies/cities, covering approximately 36 million people.

“With a digital system, recipient data can be updated more quickly, making the assistance more accurate,” she added.

The government also reminded the public to remain vigilant against scams disguised as digital social assistance. All official government services use the ‘.go.id’ domain and do not request personal data through unofficial links.