PKH facilitators in Bekasi say they are not paid; Regent says there is a 'compassion allowance' fund
Bekasi Regency, KOMPAS.com – A number of PKH facilitators in Bekasi Regency have said they do not receive regular honoraria or salaries in carrying out their duties. This was disclosed at a socialisation event on updating the Single National Social and Economic Data (DTSEN) at the Swatantra Wibawa Mukti Building, in the Bekasi Regional Government Complex, on Wednesday 4 March 2026.
In response, the Minister of Social Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Saifullah Yusuf, said the ministry would coordinate with various parties to strengthen support for village data operators and facilitators. “Yes, there is support, but it has not been fully maximised. But God willing, in the future, village heads, the Regent, and we will also sign MoUs with the Minister of Home Affairs and the Minister of Villages to strengthen this data,” he told reporters on Wednesday.
He explained that each region has a different model for supporting village data operators. Some are paid through the village apparatus budget because the operator also serves as a village official, while others use different budget sources.
According to Saifullah, not all village data operators have had their basic rights fulfilled. Therefore, there needs to be a shared awareness among village heads to provide adequate support.
He even described strengthening and updating data as a “data jihad” to ensure social assistance programmes truly reach those entitled to them.
“Because I know, ladies and gentlemen, not all who hold strategic positions have had their basic rights fulfilled, including village data operators,” he emphasised.
Meanwhile, Bekasi Regent (Acting) Asep Surya Atmaja said the Bekasi Regency Government provides a ‘compassionate’ fund to PKH aides every three months. “It is not a salary, but a tali asih. They receive Rp 500,000 per month, paid quarterly, i.e., every three months. So about Rp 1.5 million,” he said.
Additionally, the Bekasi administration plans to enhance data collection facilities by providing a laptop to each village. “But we will add this in Quarter 3, i.e., one laptop per village,” he said. “The issue in Bekasi is that each village has a different population. In the future, for villages with larger populations, we may appoint more operators there,” he added.
He stressed that although not fully as hoped, the local government has paid attention to the welfare of village data facilitators and operators. “There is attention. It may not be perfect, but at least the measurable support is very strategic to make these village operators work more professionally,” he said.