# Criticism and gambling investigations regarding Indonesia's

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/indonesian-household-welfare-decile-system
> Updated: 2026-09-04T22:36:35.000Z. Sources: 24. Developments: 4.

The Indonesian government utilizes a decile system within the National Social and Economic Single Data (DTSEN) to categorize household welfare and determine eligibility for social assistance programs. Families are divided into ten groups, where deciles 1 through 4 represent the lowest 40 percent of the population and are the primary targets for programs such as the Family Hope Program (PKH) and the Sembako Program.

Statistics Indonesia (BPS) notes that these deciles represent a relative ranking based on the Proxy Means Test (PMT) method. However, the system has faced criticism regarding inaccuracies. In the Special Region of Yogyakarta, residents previously in the lowest decile have reportedly moved to higher deciles, disqualifying them from assistance. Economist Arief Anshory Yusuf suggested the classification error rate could reach 70%, while Senator Ahmad Syauqi Soeratno criticized the implementation as a “surprise” policy lacking adequate socialization.

Minister of Social Affairs Saifullah Yusuf clarified that decile shifts result from a national data consolidation process integrating 12 million new data points from the BKKBN, BPS, and Ministry of ATR/BPN. He emphasized that changes do not lead to immediate removal, as appeal processes remain available.

Recent developments show the Ministry is also addressing widespread online gambling involvement. Data from the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK) indicates over 1.4 million social assistance recipients are under investigation for suspected gambling activity. In Bekasi Regency, approximately 20,000 recipients have been deactivated, and in Solo, roughly 2,250 families have had assistance blocked. Additionally, the Ministry is investigating approximately 1,900 employees for suspected involvement in gambling or misuse of official funds, with an internal audit expected to conclude by late September 2026.

## Claims

- The changes in the National Single Social and Economic Data (DTSEN) deciles are part of a national data consolidation process. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The significant decile changes were influenced by the inclusion of approximately 12 million new data points from the BKKBN. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Changes in DTSEN deciles do not automatically result in the immediate removal of social assistance recipients. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Over 20,000 social assistance recipients in Bekasi Regency were deactivated due to suspected online gambling involvement between June and August 2026. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- Approximately 1,900 Ministry of Social Affairs employees are suspected of being involved in online gambling transactions. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The Ministry of Social Affairs is investigating allegations that employees used official government funds to finance online gambling. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- The Ministry of Social Affairs aims to complete the financial audit of the 1,900 suspected employees by the end of September 2026. (corroborated by 2 sources)
- More than 1.4 million social assistance recipients are being investigated for suspected online gambling activity. (single source)
- Approximately 2,250 beneficiary families in Solo have had their social assistance blocked due to suspected online gambling involvement. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-04: Indonesia Ministry of Social Affairs investigates gambling links in welfare data

Indonesia's Ministry of Social Affairs is investigating 1.4 million aid recipients and 1,900 employees for suspected online gambling, while clarifying recent shifts in national welfare data deciles.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/ministry-of-social-affairs-addresses-dtsen-decile-ranking-changes

### 2026-08-31: Indonesia's DTSEN welfare data faces criticism over decile inaccuracies

Indonesia's new DTSEN welfare data faces backlash as citizens and officials report significant inaccuracies in decile classifications, potentially disqualifying many from social assistance.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indonesias-dtsen-welfare-data-faces-criticism-over-decile-inaccuracies

### 2026-08-25: Indonesia uses decile system to measure household welfare

Indonesia uses a decile system in the DTSEN to rank household welfare. Deciles 1-4 are prioritized for social aid, based on socio-economic factors like housing, education, and assets rather than income alone.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indonesia-uses-decile-system-to-measure-household-welfare

### 2026-08-24: Indonesian social services address changes in welfare desil rankings

Social services in Tanjungpinang and Majalengka are addressing public concerns over changes in welfare 'desil' rankings, clarifying that status updates are determined by national statistical modeling.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/indonesian-social-services-address-changes-in-welfare-desil-rankings

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Cite as: Criticism and gambling investigations regarding Indonesia's. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/indonesian-household-welfare-decile-system
