Blocked Account Makes Social Assistance Disbursement Late, Risma: It Must Be Finished Immediately, Pity Them

SRAGEN - The beneficiaries of social assistance (bansos) in Sragen, Central Java, experienced blocking of bank accounts and complicated procedures so that they were late in disbursing the social assistance.

"There are reports that thousands of aid recipients have not disbursed their aid. This is aid for the poor, right. I need to listen to reports from several related parties where the problem is," said Social Minister Tri Rismaharini in Sragen, quoted by Antara, Friday, August 20.

The Minister of Social Affairs held a meeting with representatives of the National Bank of Indonesia (BNI), PKH Assistant Coordinator, Deputy Regent, echelon 1 officials of the Ministry of Social Affairs and from the Criminal Investigation Unit of the Police. The meeting was to clarify reports of thousands of beneficiary families (KPM) who have not received assistance.

During the meeting, it was discovered that the Phase I Family Hope Program (PKH) funds were disbursed in January, February, March in waves 1-11 with a target of 35,497 KPMs but only 35,480 KPMs disbursed, the remaining 17 KPMs have not disbursed aid.

In phase II in April, May, June, waves 1-15, the target was 37,225 KPM but only 35,396 KPM disbursed aid, as many as 1,829 have not been disbursed. Meanwhile, according to the PKH companion's report, 1,868 KPM accounts were blocked.

"I want this to be finished soon, sorry for them," said Risma.

During the meeting, problems arose around the distribution of Prosperous Family Cards (KKS) that had not been distributed, blocked accounts, double data collection, and banking procedures that were felt to be complicated. This happened to both KPM PKH and BPNT or the Sembako Program.

Regarding the blocked account, the Minister of Social Affairs asked BNI Bank to open it as soon as possible. Even Risma directly contacted the central BNI.

Representatives of the District Social Welfare Personnel (TKSK) in the meeting also complained about the complicated procedures they faced when opening the block.

Representatives from the Criminal Investigation Unit of the National Police Headquarters Kombes Eka who was present on the occasion stated that this assistance was awaited by the poor.

"For them, Rp. 100 thousand to Rp. 200 thousand is a lot. Don't delay the search, sir. It will be delayed again the following month and you will be blocked again. Sorry, sir, I hope the process can be streamlined, sir," he said.