"We have begun data synchronization, starting with the DTSEN, and then we will match it with the population data. This way, we can determine the eligibility status of the recipient," the ministry's Director General of Digital Government Technology, Mira Tayyiba, said at the 2025 National Smart City Forum in Yogyakarta on Wednesday.
This step was taken after evaluation results and the 2024 National Socioeconomic Survey showed that 45 percent of the Family Hope Program (PKH) recipients were misallocated, amounting to around Rp14 trillion (US$834 million) due to unsynchronized data between agencies.
Therefore, she emphasized that digitalization in social assistance programs is necessary for a more transparent distribution.
According to Tayyiba, digitalization also allows people to nominate themselves as recipients of assistance, although their eligibility status must be verified through an integrated system.
She informed that the government would begin implementing the digitalization of the first social assistance program in September 2025 in Banyuwangi, East Java, designated as a pilot area.
This step follows up on President Prabowo Subianto's directive to ensure that priority government programs, including extreme poverty eradication, are properly targeted.
Related news: President Prabowo pledges use of DTSEN to keep programs on target
The head of state also emphasized regulatory simplification to accelerate national economic growth.
Tayyiba then informed that the national digital transformation index is currently approaching 50 points.
She addressed that digital adoption in the government sector is quite advanced, although distribution is still considered uneven and focused on Java island.
"If we look at the aggregate, it is approaching 50. The government's focus is on community outreach and infrastructure. The government is sufficiently aware of digital adoption. However, distribution is still focused on Java," Tayyiba said.
To accelerate equal distribution, the ministry is preparing a Digital Government Clinic program for mentoring, consultation, and sharing innovations between regions.
"It is a place to share information and experiences," she stated.
Related news: Lawmaker urges stricter aid recipients' verification via DTSEN
Translator: Luqman Hakim, Resinta Sulistiyandari
Editor: Yuni Arisandy Sinaga
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