Indonesia to expand digital social assistance to 38.7 million people

Chairman of the National Economic Council (DEN), Luhut Binsar Pandjaitan, reported to President Prabowo Subianto that the pilot digitalisation of social assistance in Banyuwangi was successful and will be rolled out to 43 districts in 26 provinces, covering about 38.7 million citizens (roughly 12.5 million families). The expansion will modernise the delivery of bansos/perlinsos and is part of a broader government‑technology (GovTech) reform that will also digitise aid for micro, small and medium enterprises, energy subsidies, tax collection, business licensing and law‑enforcement transparency.

During meetings at the Garuda Yaksa complex in Bogor and later at the president’s Hambalang residence, DEN presented these plans and stressed the need for contingency measures against global economic uncertainty. Luhut noted that Standard & Poor’s kept Indonesia’s credit rating at BBB+ with a stable outlook, citing recent BUMN consolidation as a positive factor. The council’s proposals aim to improve speed, accuracy and reach of public services while strengthening overall economic stability.