Social Minister Urges Vigilance Against Hoaxes on Social Media: Social Assistance Will Not Be Reduced

Indonesia’s Minister of Social Affairs (Mensos), Saifullah Yusuf (Gus Ipul), has urged the public to be more vigilant against the proliferation of hoax narratives and misleading information related to social assistance (bansos). Gus Ipul stressed that social assistance will not be reduced, either in terms of the number of recipients or the amount of aid that the public is entitled to. Gus Ipul stated that various incorrect pieces of information have recently circulated on social media (medsos). These include claims of cuts to social assistance, diversions of bansos budgets to other programmes, and unofficial ways to obtain aid. “There is a lot of hoax news on social media. It misleads the public,” said Gus Ipul in a written statement on Saturday (25/4/2026). “It could fall under the category of fraud. The Ministry of Social Affairs will continue to comb through and correct these irresponsible reports. One measure is to forward them to law enforcement authorities,” he added. Gus Ipul reaffirmed that the government is not reducing social assistance to redirect it to other programmes. According to Gus Ipul, bansos will continue to be distributed in accordance with regulations to those members of the public who are eligible to receive it. “The truth is, social assistance will not be reduced. Neither the number of recipients nor the amount that must be received by the public,” stated Gus Ipul. “There is no diversion of the social assistance budget to other programmes,” he continued. Gus Ipul also reminded the public not to easily believe social media accounts that claim to represent the Ministry of Social Affairs or certain parties promising aid in exchange for specific conditions. Gus Ipul asked the public to verify all information through official government channels. “If you receive information about social assistance, first check the source. Don’t believe it immediately, especially if it asks you to send personal data, transfer money, or follow unclear links,” said Gus Ipul. According to Gus Ipul, all official information related to the Ministry of Social Affairs’ programmes can be accessed through official channels, or by contacting the call centre at 021 171, and the official WhatsApp at 08877 171 171 to inquire about social assistance or other programmes, including Sekolah Rakyat. “Please check the official channels of the Ministry of Social Affairs or contact the call centre. If there is information that potentially constitutes a hoax, report it,” said Gus Ipul. “If there is anything you want to ask about social assistance, Sekolah Rakyat, or other Ministry of Social Affairs programmes, do not hesitate to contact the official channels,” he added. Gus Ipul added that public vigilance is important so that social assistance truly reaches those who are entitled to it and is not exploited by parties seeking to gain an advantage. “We want the public to be protected. Do not let citizens be harmed by believing false information,” said Gus Ipul. “Social assistance is the right of the public who meet the criteria, and the state is present to ensure that the aid arrives as it should,” he concluded.