Indonesian Minister of Social Affairs to Overhaul Social Welfare Data

JAKARTA, KOMPAS.com – Indonesian Minister of Social Affairs Tri Rismahari is set to carry out a major shakeup of her ministry, as the former Surabaya, East Java mayor has ordered an overhaul for its social welfare integrated data [DTKS].

Ministry of Social Affairs expert on Social Changes and Dynamics Adhy Karyono said the overhaul is part of reforms on social protection that is currently being carried out the Ministry.

“The overhaul is designed to ensure that the social aid disbursed to the public will be received by those who need it most. Specifically, 40 percent of people living in the lower bracket of the poverty line,” he asserted during a webinar with UNICEF on Tuesday.

“One aspect of the reforms deals with amending data. Data is key above everything else.” Adhy added that the DTKS will not just include those living under the poverty line who are out of reach of social welfare programs.

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“The DTKS will integrate data of children from poor families. It will also include the elderly, the disabled and others,” he added. “All those segments of society have their own data, all of which will be integrated with DTKS.”

Adhy said the integration of the data will ensure that those segments of society included in DTKS will be the recipient of the government’s various social aid programs.

KOMPAS.COM/ IRA GITA Police, Public Order Agency and officials from the Jakarta Provincial Administration distribute government social aid to residents of North Jakarta's Penjaringan area on Tuesday (24/11/2020)

“The DTKS will the single source for various social welfare program. For instance, DTKS will help track down children in foundations, orphanages and other places who are potentially in need social aid program,” Adhy noted. “So we need to have a good data mapping to trace them. ”

He added that the Ministry will encourage provincial administrations across Indonesia to cooperate in the program.

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“[The provincial administration’s] participation is vital, as the Ministry cannot [overhaul DTKS] or amend data singlehandedly. Other steps included in DTKS is the creation of a Ministry of Social Affairs creative center to train entrepreneurship or vocational skills,” Adhy said.

“The center will also highlight the work of recipients of DTKS’ benefits. Most of all, the center highlight the need for social welfare, especially for vulnerable and marginalized groups in society.” 

Registration to the DTKS entitles Indonesian citizens to social protection programs such as the Family Hope Program (PKH), Non-Cash Food Assistance (BPNT), Cash Social Assistance (BST), and other government programs.

(Writer: Fika Nurul Ulya | Editor : Yoga Sukmana)

Sources: 

https://money.kompas.com/read/2021/03/23/145012126/risma-bakal-rombak-besar-besaran-data-terpadu-kesejahteraan-sosial.