The Indonesian government is implementing stricter rules for the recipients of social assistance programs, impacting many as they introduce significant changes starting from 2025. These changes focus primarily on the Non-Cash Food Assistance (BPNT), 10 kg rice distribution, and Fuel Cash Assistance (BLT BBM). With the introduction of this new system, old beneficiaries (KPM) of these social aids will experience direct consequences related to their eligibility.
Among the most notable changes is the replacement of the Integrated Social Welfare Data (DTKS) with the new Integrated Economic and Social Data (DTSE). This new system aims to provide more thorough and accurate checks on the eligibility of applicants. The Central Statistical Agency (BPS) has been tasked with ensuring the data entered reflects the actual economic and social conditions of those who truly need assistance.
But what does this mean for the old beneficiaries? Not all of them will automatically continue to receive aid under the new system, at least not without first undergoing thorough validation and verification. The government will reassess each individual's qualifications to determine if they still meet the criteria necessary to receive aid. This shift raises questions about whether the most vulnerable will still have access to support.
Discussions surrounding the changes also highlight the government’s concern over the potential loss of support for those relying heavily on these programs. The scrutiny aims to align assistance with those genuinely socio-economically disadvantaged, but it also risks excluding some families or individuals who may still be struggling.
Meanwhile, alongside the modifications to the social assistance programs, the government has announced plans to reclassify honorary workers set to be affected by the new changes. The National Civil Service Agency (BKN) has stated it will reveal the categories of honorary workers who will be temporarily laid off during 2025. The regulations are part of efforts to streamline and improve the Civil Service structure.
Zudan Arif Fakrulloh, head of BKN, explained the criteria for honorary employees to participate in the second stage of the Government Employee with Work Agreements (PPPK) selections. This announcement has gained significant attention as individuals wait to determine their career paths following recent developments. The application deadline for this selection phase was extended until January 20, 2025, indicating the government’s focus on maximizing participation.
Despite efforts to include as many honorary workers as possible, not all will be eligible to take part. According to Zudan, only those who were part of the October 2022 Non-ASN data collection are guaranteed to compete for the PPPK second stage selections. This is coupled with specific criteria requiring applicants to have at least two years of work experience as of October 2023.
These measures are part of Indonesia's broader objective to reform its labor market, particularly focusing on ensuring job security and recognition for workers. Yet, for many honorary employees, this transformation brings uncertainty. Their futures hinge on the government’s regulations as they puzzle over their chance to continue working under clearer employment laws.
Overall, the shift to DTSE for social assistance and the restructuring of the honorarium employment scheme indicates a significant overhaul of Indonesia's social welfare system, aimed primarily at increasing effectiveness and fair distribution. The results of these changes, particularly for the most vulnerable populations, will be closely watched as implementation takes place through 2025.