Qodari trials Social Protection Digitalisation to ensure targeted aid distribution

Head of the Government Communication Body (Bakom) Muhammad Qodari has directly tested the registration process for the Digitalisation of Social Protection (Perlinsos) to ensure the use of digital technology supports the distribution of social assistance to those who are truly entitled. According to a statement received in Jakarta on Wednesday, Qodari trialled Perlinsos during a visit to Tambaksari District, Surabaya, East Java, on Tuesday (28/7). “I tried it myself among the residents present to see how the registration process is carried out. It felt extraordinary, very sophisticated. We can use current technology, face recognition,” Qodari said. Accompanied by officers and residents, Qodari observed each verification stage utilising digital technology to ensure social assistance is distributed to those who are genuinely entitled. In the simulation, officers entered the resident’s Population Identification Number (NIK) from their identity card into the application. The system then automatically matched the identity using face recognition technology. The verification results were then compared with various government databases, allowing the validation process to be carried out quickly and accurately. Information such as electricity usage, vehicle ownership, and land ownership can be considered in determining the eligibility of social assistance recipients. “The data matched immediately. When cross-checked with data from PLN and other institutions, the information appeared instantly. This system is fairer because it uses machines, computers, and data from various ministries and agencies,” he said. He explained that this data-driven approach would reduce the potential for subjectivity in the social assistance distribution process. Decisions regarding eligibility are no longer solely dependent on individual assessments but are based on verified data. In addition to ensuring objectivity, the digital system also provides room for the public to file objections if there is a data discrepancy. The entire process is conducted digitally, so resolutions are expected to be faster and more transparent. “There is no more subjectivity. If there is an objection, the public can immediately submit it through the system and it can be processed promptly. So there is justice, speed of service, greater efficiency, while also making the work of government officials much easier,” Qodari stated. He emphasised that the implementation of Perlinsos Digitalisation is an important milestone in reforming social protection governance in Indonesia. Perlinsos is a portal, not an application, that enables social assistance registration using only the NIK and face verification. The portal integrates data from eight ministries and agencies through Digital Public Infrastructure, a first-of-its-kind approach in Indonesia. Residents who already have a Digital Population Identity can access the portal independently, while those who do not can be assisted by support agents.