Ensure Social Assistance Reaches Intended Recipients, Social Minister to Strengthen DTSEN

Indonesia’s Minister of Social Affairs, Saifullah Yusuf, commonly known as Gus Ipul, has stated that the National Socio-Economic Data System (DTSEN) will be continuously strengthened. This initiative is also intended to address seasonal begging during the Islamic month of Ramadan.

“This is indeed our responsibility, and naturally it involves coordination with regional authorities. Our strategic approach is to ensure we have accurate data about those requiring social services,” Gus Ipul told journalists following a community meal event at the Islamic Centre of the Epicentrum in BSD, Tangerang Regency, Banten, on Friday (27 February 2026).

To this end, Gus Ipul stated that his ministry is communicating with regional governments to conduct this data collection. Subsequently, assistance will be provided to those who fall within the category of beneficiaries once the data is available.

“We are currently consolidating with regional authorities to obtain this data. The important thing is that we can access this information so that we can intervene. And naturally, those who know best are the regional heads, local social service offices, and village leaders,” he explained.

“The goal is to map the situation and provide attention so that no residents fall through the cracks despite needing assistance,” he added.

Gus Ipul cautioned against government social assistance (Bansos) being received by those who do not qualify. Therefore, strengthening the data system is necessary so that seasonal beggars can be identified as either eligible or ineligible for assistance.

“Government assistance must not go to those who do not deserve it, but rather to those who truly need it most. If those mentioned earlier are included in the data, we can then intervene collectively,” he said.