Indonesia Feels Impact of Middle East War, Gus Ipul Proposes Increase in Social Assistance

Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf, or Gus Ipul, assesses that the war currently occurring in the Middle East has the potential to cause social impacts in the form of inflation and a decline in the purchasing power of Indonesian society. This particularly affects vulnerable groups in Deciles 1 to 4 of DTSEN.

“It could be that those in Decile 5 drop to Decile 4, for example, 6 could drop. We cannot measure it directly yet, but the assumption is that there will certainly be a process that might cause an individual or family to drop a class. But we must also be confident and convinced that there will be some who rise in class. That’s how the cycle works,” said Gus Ipul in his statement on Wednesday (18/3/2026).

Therefore, data becomes the primary key to preventing a surge in new poverty and holding back social vulnerability. In a crisis situation, there needs to be strengthening of social assistance, including options for benefit top-ups, and temporary expansion of recipients such as BLTS.

“This is where the data must be continuously updated. We must not be caught off guard when there is a top-up or temporary expansion of recipients later. So I ask that this be truly anticipated. Strengthen collaboration, strengthen steps to respond to various developments in society,” said Gus Ipul.