Inaccurate Asset Data Leaves Eligible Residents Without Social Assistance

PARLEMENTARIA, Bogor — Ahmad Heryawan, a member of Commission II of the Indonesian House of Representatives, has called attention to inaccurate socioeconomic data that leaves people who qualify for assistance off the list of social assistance recipients. One case is in Bogor, where around 2,500 residents who met the eligibility criteria based on direct field checks were nevertheless held back by records showing vehicles and assets registered in their names.

“We need to be firm on this: 2,500 people who should receive assistance are in deciles 1–4. They are clearly eligible for assistance, including PBI, but it turns out they have vehicle registration documents and ownership certificates (BPKB)—apparently because their bosses put them in their names. This kind of behavior must stop; it’s the conduct of wealthy people,” said the PKS Faction politician during Commission II’s working visit to Bogor, West Java, on Friday (13/11/2026).

The issue was raised by Bogor Mayor Dedie Abdu Rachim. He explained that some residents, especially workers and domestic helpers, have their names used by businesspeople and shop owners to register vehicles and assets. As a result, despite being eligible for assistance based on their socioeconomic circumstances, as confirmed by a field assessment (ground check), they are held back by administrative requirements.

“Many businesspeople, shop owners and business owners put vehicles or assets in the names of their domestic helpers or other people. In Bogor alone, there are around 2,500 people. Yet based on their circumstances, they are eligible for assistance,” Dedie said.

Dedie also cited a comparison of the Integrated Social Welfare Data (DTKS), which was transformed into the National Single Socioeconomic Data (DTSEN), with population records. The comparison found around 24,000 Bogor residents whose data did not include, or did not match, their National Identity Numbers (NIK).

Discrepancies were also found in the data on recipients of BPJS Health’s Contribution Assistance Program (PBI). Of around 197,000 recipients in Bogor, 4,500 records were deemed inaccurate. The issue is a concern because it could affect the accuracy of assistance distribution and the use of government funds.

In response to these issues, Ahmad Heryawan stressed the importance of improving data as the basis for policymaking and public services. Inaccurate data, he said, can cause government services to miss the groups they are intended to reach.

“Our public services often miss the mark because our data is inaccurate,” he said. (gal/rdn)