North Kalimantan expands digital social assistance piloting

The North Kalimantan provincial government is supporting the expansion of a digital social assistance (Bansos) piloting program initiated by the central government. This initiative aims to improve the accuracy of recipient determination and ensure safer, easier distribution through digital technology.

As part of a national expansion from 153 to 258 regencies and cities, three areas in North Kalimantan have been selected as pilot locations: Tarakan City, Nunukan Regency, and Bulungan Regency. Luhut B. Pandjaitan, Special Advisor to the President for Digitalization and Government Technology, noted that the program will serve as a reference for determining aid recipients and will expand distribution mechanisms through digital payments.

Local governments are expected to play a strategic role in registration and the appeals process via the Social Protection Portal (Perlinsos). Responsibilities include preparing resources, forming implementation teams, coordinating socialization efforts, and mobilizing civil servants and village operators to assist with the registration process.