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Indonesia social assistance recipients face blocks due to gambling and identity misuse
Indonesia is facing significant challenges regarding the accuracy of social assistance (bansos) distribution. In Kediri City, the number of recipients blocked due to online gambling affiliations has risen to 1,641. Officials noted that many recipients were not the direct gamblers, but rather family members within the same household using the recipient's data.
The Ministry of Social Affairs (Kemensos) is investigating a broader phenomenon where the identity cards (KTP) of vulnerable citizens are being misused by others to create accounts or conduct transactions, including for online gambling and asset purchases. This identity theft leads to legitimate recipients being disqualified from aid.
In Kulonprogo, data synchronization errors have also caused aid suspensions. Some recipients were flagged due to incorrect electricity ownership data, such as having multiple PLN IDs, which may stem from identity misuse. Additionally, the Ombudsman RI has warned against 'administrative reductionism,' noting that rigid data classifications can fail to reflect the true economic realities of citizens.
On the enforcement side, Bareskrim Polri reported that online gambling fund turnover in the first half of 2026 was approximately Rp86.8 trillion, a decrease from previous years due to increased law enforcement and site blocking.
Entities
Bareskrim Polri · Indonesia · Kediri · Kementerian Sosial · Ministry of Social Affairs · Ombudsman RI · Saifullah Yusuf
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] In Kulonprogo, social assistance was also suspended due to data errors regarding electricity ownership, such as multiple PLN IDs. jogjapolitan.harianjogja.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The gambling affiliation often involves other family members within the same family card rather than the recipient themselves. www.beritakediri.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Online gambling fund turnover in the first half of 2026 was approximately Rp86.8 trillion, down from previous years.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Ombudsman warned against administrative reductionism in social assistance data classification. mediaindonesia.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The number of social assistance recipients in Kediri City affected by blocking due to online gambling affiliation has increased from 1,076 to 1,641. www.beritakediri.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Ministry of Social Affairs is investigating cases where social assistance recipients' IDs are used by others to create accounts or conduct transactions. www.gelora.co · www.inews.id