Strategi Pendistribusian Bantuan Pangan Non Tunai (BPNT) dalam Meningkatkan Akses Konsumsi Pangan Rumah Tangga Miskin di Kota Banda Aceh

Poverty and food insecurity remain significant challenges affecting the ability of low-income households to meet their food needs sustainably. The Non-Cash Food Assistance Program (BPNT) represents a government policy instrument designed to improve food access and reduce household food expenditure; however, the transition from the e-Warong mechanism to direct transfers into beneficiaries’ accounts has created consequences for flexibility, monitoring, and the utilization of assistance. This research examines the distribution strategy of BPNT in fulfilling food consumption needs in Banda Aceh City through a qualitative approach and case study design. Data were collected through semi-structured in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation involving representatives of the Social Affairs Office, social facilitators, village officials, and Beneficiary Families (KPM), with data credibility strengthened through methodological triangulation. The findings indicate that direct transfers through KPM accounts improve accessibility, distribution efficiency, and beneficiaries’ flexibility in selecting food according to household needs. Nevertheless, the new mechanism reduces direct monitoring of how assistance is utilized, while irregular disbursement, limited communication of disbursement information, and insufficient assistance amounts remain major challenges. The findings highlight a trade-off between beneficiary flexibility and government control, indicating the need to strengthen communication, monitoring, and adjustment of assistance values to improve the effectiveness of BPNT in supporting sustainable household food consumption.