Indonesia digitizes population data to improve social assistance accuracy

The Indonesian Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri) is strengthening population data digitalization to ensure social assistance (bansos) reaches the correct recipients. During a recent outreach program in Tarakan, North Kalimantan, Sesario Fernandes, Deputy Chair of the Population Identity Team, emphasized that accurate and up-to-date data is essential to prevent inclusion errors, where wealthy citizens receive aid, and exclusion errors, where those in need are left out.

To maintain accuracy, the government stresses the need for continuous data updates regarding deaths, relocations, or changes in economic status.

As part of a rebranding and outreach initiative held from August 25–29, 2026, the Directorate General of Population and Civil Registration (Dukcapil) provided mobile administrative services to vulnerable populations. The program successfully processed 1,387 civil administration services, including electronic ID cards (KTP-el), family cards (KK), child identity cards (KIA), and digital population identity (IKD) activation across several locations in Tarakan.