Social Minister Reveals Crucial Role of Data Operators in Updating Welfare Beneficiary Data

Nganjuk — Social Minister Saifullah Yusuf has highlighted the important role of data operators in updating data on welfare beneficiary families to ensure targeted and accurate social assistance distribution.

Speaking at an event in Nganjuk, East Java, on Saturday, Yusuf, popularly known as Gus Ipul, emphasised the need to support the most vulnerable populations. “This must be remembered. All operators, defend those at the bottom. Not those in the middle, but those at the very bottom. The data operators must input information starting from the lowest level first,” he stated.

Gus Ipul reiterated the government’s policy direction under President Prabowo Subianto, which prioritises protecting the most marginalised segments of society—those left behind in the development process and considered the “invisible people.” He emphasised to social workers, village officials, data operators, village companions, and social volunteers in Nganjuk Regency the importance of working effectively and making an impact for the most vulnerable.

“Social escorts in the Hope Family Programme (PKH), district social workers (TKSK), and other social pillars are the state’s hands to help and defend those not yet brought into the development process. This is the President’s policy: those at the top are protected, those in the middle are supported, and those at the bottom are defended,” Gus Ipul explained.

He also stressed the necessity of continuous data updates, as data is dynamic and changes constantly. “Every day someone passes away, someone is born, someone relocates, someone gets married, someone moves up in status, and someone moves down in status,” he noted. Such dynamism requires collaboration and involvement from all stakeholders, including the central government, regional governments, and social pillars.

Gus Ipul added that the Data Unit for Social Welfare (DTSEN) is managed by the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), whilst the Social Ministry and regional governments assist in data updates.

Nganjuk Regent Marhaen Djumadi appreciated Gus Ipul’s visit to Nganjuk Regency, noting that many central government programmes have been coordinated with regional authorities. He drew parallels between the Social Ministry’s tagline “Always Present” and President Prabowo’s statement that “my soul is marhaen,” reflecting concern for ordinary people.

During the event titled “Collaboration of Presidential Priority Programmes towards Building Human Resources for Economic Independence,” held at the Nganjuk Regency Hall, Gus Ipul also distributed assistance to ten orphaned children. The event was also attended by Nganjuk Deputy Regent Trihandy Cahyo Saputro, the Social Ministry’s Director General of Social Rehabilitation, and other government officials and guests.