THE PHENOMENON OF MISTARGETED SOCIAL ASSISTANCE AND ITS IMPLICATIONS FOR SOCIO ECONOMIC CONDITIONS IN INDONESIA

This study examines the effectiveness of Indonesia's social assistance system in achieving accurate targeting of beneficiaries, focusing on the analysis of the Integrated Social Welfare Data (DTKS) and various innovations implemented by the government. The study identifies structural problems in the social assistance distribution system, including data inaccuracy, overlapping recipients, and inter-agency coordination challenges. Through in-depth analysis of reform efforts that have been undertaken, such as the integration of Population Identification Numbers (NIK), the development of the Cek Bansos application, and the transformation towards the National Socio-Economic Integrated Data (DTSEN), this research evaluates the extent to which technological innovations can improve the accuracy of social assistance targeting. Research findings indicate that although various digitalization efforts have provided significant improvements in terms of transparency and data verification, challenges remain in reaching the most vulnerable and needy groups in society. This research emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach that combines technological innovation with institutional capacity building and community participation to ensure that social assistance truly reaches those who need it most.