Cimahi residents protest welfare data changes affecting social aid

Many residents in Cimahi City are expressing strong dissatisfaction and protesting recent changes to their welfare data, known as 'desil,' which are determined by the central government. These updates have resulted in numerous individuals and families losing their eligibility for crucial social assistance programs, sparking widespread complaints.

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Many have complained because their desil has risen (6-10), most come to the sub-district office. Especially those who used to receive aid now cannot. If those who didn't receive aid now do, there's no fuss. They even come to the house, I can only explain and educate them.

The head of Cimahi City's Social Services Agency, Totong Solehudin, acknowledged receiving numerous complaints. He explained that many residents whose desil classification moved from lower (1-5) to higher (6-10) categories are now finding themselves ineligible for aid. Solehudin noted that while people do not typically protest when they become eligible for aid, the current situation has led to significant distress, with some residents even visiting his office for explanations.

Solehudin clarified that the agency's mandate is limited to processing social aid for those falling within desils 1-5, representing the lowest income brackets. These categories are linked to national programs like health insurance (PBI JK), non-cash food aid (BPNT), the Family Hope Program (PKH), and the Indonesia Smart Card (KIP). Assistance for higher desils is outside the local agency's purview and is determined by central government data.

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If it comes to us because it relates to social aid, it's related to social rehabilitation. We only handle desils 1-5. In short, those who receive social aid.

He further explained that the desil classifications are based on the National Socio-Economic Single Data (DTSEN), managed by the Central Statistics Agency (BPS). While the local government cannot alter these classifications, residents can report changes or discrepancies through official online or offline channels. Solehudin emphasized that the data is dynamic and updated quarterly, reflecting ongoing efforts to refine social welfare targeting, though the immediate impact for many Cimahi residents has been negative.

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Now people report it themselves, the channels are open. Offline, they can also come to the sub-district office or service centers like the Public Service Mall, and it will definitely be responded to. But again, the local government cannot determine it, that's up to the central government.