Indonesian Parliament Urges Accurate Data for Targeted Social Aid

Giri Ramanda Nazaputra Kiemas, a member of Commission II of the Indonesian House of Representatives (DPR) from the PDI Perjuangan faction, has highlighted the critical importance of accurate income decile data for the effective distribution of government social aid.

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The issue of deciles for the community is a matter of life and death. Most people still want government assistance, especially those in the lower deciles, meaning the lowest incomes.

Kiemas emphasized that the classification of citizens into income deciles is not merely an administrative matter but directly impacts people's access to essential social assistance. He pointed out that many low-income individuals and families heavily rely on these government programs. "The issue of deciles for the community is a matter of life and death. Most people still want government assistance, especially those in the lower deciles, meaning the lowest incomes," Kiemas stated.

To address potential inaccuracies, Kiemas urged the government to be transparent about the criteria and variables used in determining each citizen's decile. This transparency, he believes, will help the public understand the basis for classification and prevent aid from being misdirected. He cited an example of a becak (rickshaw) driver being recorded in the ninth decile, illustrating the need for thorough verification and re-checking of citizen data. "It is unacceptable for those who are not eligible to receive aid, while those who are eligible do not receive it. The government must clearly open up the criteria for the existing deciles. Do not create confusion for the public," he added.

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It is unacceptable for those who are not eligible to receive aid, while those who are eligible do not receive it. The government must clearly open up the criteria for the existing deciles. Do not create confusion for the public.

Furthermore, Kiemas called for the central government to involve regional governments in the data verification process. He argued that local authorities have closer proximity to the community and can better match administrative data with on-the-ground realities. He also stressed the need for regular updates to the decile data to reflect the dynamic economic conditions of the population, as circumstances like job loss or changes in income sources can occur rapidly. "Verification, synchronization, and the involvement of local governments down to the lowest levels with a structured and measurable check and recheck mechanism must be carried out," he concluded.

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Verification, synchronization, and the involvement of local governments down to the lowest levels with a structured and measurable check and recheck mechanism must be carried out.