"It is crucial to position DTSEN as the foundation for distribution so that assistance can reach those truly in need. We cannot afford to let those undeserving benefit from the aid again," Haq noted in a statement cited here on Monday.
The legislator's remarks followed findings by the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) that some 28 thousand employees of state-owned enterprises (SOEs) are registered as social aid beneficiaries.
Haq emphasized that the discovery should prompt the government to review and overhaul its data on targeted recipients.
"The revelation is quite shocking because the public tends to view SOE employees as citizens having decent livelihoods. Hence, if they receive social aid, it is important to validate the data to ascertain whether they are indeed eligible or if there is an error," he elaborated.
The lawmaker reiterated that social assistance should only be directed to those in genuine need, ensuring it fulfills its primary goal of helping people improve their welfare.
Earlier, the PPATK reported that based on a six-month analysis of 10 million bank accounts registered to social aid recipients, 28 thousand belonged to SOE employees, 7,479 to doctors, and six thousand to executives or managerial staff.
In response, Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf emphasized that his ministry is ready to investigate the anomalies.
"The PPATK reported that associated banks had found aid recipients claiming to be SOE employees or others when opening their accounts," he remarked in Jakarta on August 7.
He noted that the Social Affairs Ministry has begun working with PPATK and other relevant institutions to address the issue, affirming that the government may block the bank accounts in question and redirect the aid to its rightful recipients.
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Translator: Tri M, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Arie Novarina
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