Social Affairs Minister Says Social Assistance May Increase Amid Global Economic Pressures

JAKARTA - The Temporary Direct Cash Assistance (BLTS) may experience an increase in both the nominal amount and the number of recipients amid budget efficiency policies, following pressures on the global economy, particularly due to the rise in world oil prices.

Social Affairs Minister (Mensos) Saifullah Yusuf, or Gus Ipul, stated that the government is still studying schemes for adjusting social assistance (bansos) by referring to last year’s experiences.

“Everything is possible. Last year, we learned; there was a thickening of the assistance and an addition to the number of beneficiaries,” said Gus Ipul when met on Wednesday (25/3/2026).

After that, at the end of the year, the assistance was increased again to Rp 900,000 for three months, namely October, November, and December 2025.

The total assistance was given to around 33 million beneficiaries, a significant increase compared to the initial allocation.

“So, the possibility of addition exists, but for now, the allocation remains the same as our planning,” he said.

At the end of 2025, the government distributed BLTS with an expanded nominal amount of assistance and coverage of recipients. The number of beneficiary families, initially around 18 million, increased to 33 to 35 million families.

“This shows that Mr President has an extraordinary commitment to providing protection to the community,” said Gus Ipul.