Effectiveness of the Sembako Program for Communities: A Comparative Study

The Sembako Program, formerly known as Non-Cash Food Assistance (BPNT), is a social assistance initiative implemented by the Indonesian Ministry of Social Affairs to support low-income households in meeting their food and nutritional needs. This study examines beneficiaries’ perceptions, program effectiveness, and implementation differences between rural and urban areas. A qualitative comparative approach was employed, with data collected through interviews, observations, and focus group discussions involving Beneficiary Families (KPM) in Lappabosse Village, Bone Regency, and Kalukubodoa Urban Village, Makassar City. Data were analyzed using triangulation across beneficiaries, local officials, social facilitators, observations, and relevant documents. The findings reveal that the program operates through direct cash transfers of IDR 600,000 quarterly, allowing beneficiaries flexibility in purchasing essential food items. Implementation was relatively effective regarding policy alignment, operational implementation, and environmental suitability, but weaknesses remained in beneficiary targeting and procedural accuracy. Rural beneficiaries prioritized fish, cooking oil, sugar, and eggs, while urban beneficiaries primarily purchased rice, eggs, cooking oil, and sugar. Significant targeting discrepancies were identified, with exclusion errors more prevalent in urban areas and inclusion errors more common in rural areas. Limited involvement of local authorities in beneficiary selection contributed to these inaccuracies. The study highlights the importance of strengthening beneficiary verification, improving coordination with local administrations, and enhancing targeting mechanisms to ensure more equitable and effective social assistance delivery.