Ministry of Social Affairs overhauls social assistance beneficiary data, including elderly recipients

Jakarta (ANTARA) - The Ministry of Social Affairs is overhauling the social assistance beneficiary data system following findings from the 2025 National Economic Council (DEN) indicating widespread mis-targeting.

Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf stated in Jakarta on Sunday that the evaluation forms a key reason for the government to consolidate data based on the National Socioeconomic Single Data (DTSEN) to ensure more accurate social assistance distribution.

“I am most moved by President Prabowo’s call for us, especially me, to start this work with honest data. We must acknowledge the data as it is, be truthful and open, then improve it,” Saifullah said during the National Elderly Day (HLUN) 2026 event “Resilient Elderly, Growing Indonesia” in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara.

Saifullah explained that DEN reported issues with the Family Hope Program (PKH), with 45% of beneficiaries in 2025 not meeting eligibility criteria.

“Approximately 45% of PKH recipients are suspected to no longer meet the criteria for assistance,” he added.

To address bureaucratic data issues, Saifullah added that President Prabowo Subianto has tasked the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) with managing the DTSEN, supported by regular updates from the Ministry of Social Affairs and local governments.

He expressed optimism that the DTSEN update, involving cross-sector collaboration from village-level RT units to national ministries and agencies, would ensure more precise aid distribution.

This same approach was used to streamline elderly health insurance assistance in East Nusa Tenggara.