Social Aid Proxy Services Emerge in Gaps of Distribution System

JAKARTA – Behind social assistance that should facilitate ease, a new practice has emerged in society: social aid proxy services. This phenomenon has grown slowly, filling gaps in a distribution system deemed not fully accessible. In several areas of Jakarta, especially South Jakarta, this practice is no longer unfamiliar. Refa (35), for example, has become known as a “social aid jockey” in her community. It started simply, just helping neighbours. However, over time, the assistance turned into a routine. She no longer just helps one or two people, but dozens of social aid recipients every month. For some residents, collecting social aid is not as simple as showing up and receiving it. There are stages to go through, from online registration to obtain a barcode to long queues at subsidised food collection points. Refa saw the opportunity in that gap. In a day, she can help around five people. In a month, the number can reach dozens of cards. “It’s not fixed, sometimes 60 KJP, sometimes more depending on the barcode,” she said. From that service, she charges a fee of Rp 40,000 per card. In simple calculations, her income can reach millions of rupiah per month. She uses that income to meet daily needs, including her children’s school fees, amid her husband’s uncertain earnings. Similar stories come from Yuni (49).