Govt suspends aid for 1.49 mln recipients linked to online gambling

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17 minutes ago

Jakarta (ANTARA) – The Ministry of Social Affairs has suspended 1,494,652 beneficiary families (KPM) of the Basic Food Assistance Program who were flagged for online gambling transactions, based on data cross-referencing with the Financial Transaction Reports and Analysis Center (PPATK).

Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf on Thursday said the measure was taken following the discovery of indications that millions of beneficiaries were misusing social assistance funds.

“There are 1.49 million beneficiary families flagged for online gambling based on PPATK data, and we are currently investigating the matter,” the minister confirmed.

He revealed that of the total of 1.49 million beneficiaries, 794,475 were also recorded as recipients of the Family Hope Program (PKH) assistance.

The discovery involving 1.49 million beneficiaries represents a significant surge compared to data cross-referencing results from 2023, which recorded nearly 600,000 such cases.

His office is currently conducting an in-depth investigation and verification process to map out the details of this assistance misuse, with the aim of completing the assessment by next week.

The Ministry will also conduct further analysis in collaboration with the PPATK and the Ministry of Communication and Digital Affairs to confirm any misuse of social assistance by the beneficiaries.

This verification process is also part of updating the National Socio-Economic Single Data (DTSEN) to ensure social assistance reaches the intended targets.

“It is possible they no longer qualify for social assistance. The evidence indicates that the assistance was used for online gambling. Therefore, we are investigating the matter further while simultaneously updating the beneficiary data,” Yusuf remarked.

In addition to verification, the ministry continues to strengthen education for beneficiary families through PKH facilitators and social workers.

Educational initiatives are being conducted to promote the proper use of social assistance and strengthen digital literacy, preventing beneficiaries from misusing their accounts or permitting others to use them for unlawful activities.

“Do not be careless. For instance, by letting others use or exploit your account. We continuously provide outreach, education, and guidance to Beneficiary Families through social facilitators,” the minister emphasized.