Saturday, 11 July 2026
BANDA ACEH | INDATANEWS.COM - The Head of the Aceh Provincial Social Affairs Office, Budi Afrizal, S.KM., M.KM., officially opened the Socialization and Public Awareness Program on the Electronification of Non-Cash Social Assistance (Bantuan Sosial Non Tunai/BSNT) for 2026. The event was organized by the Bank Indonesia Representative Office in Aceh in collaboration with Bank Syariah Indonesia (BSI) and other related institutions at the Teuku Umar Hall of the Bank Indonesia Representative Office in Aceh on Wednesday, July 8, 2026.
The event was considered a strategic step to strengthen public understanding of digital mechanisms in the distribution of government social assistance. Participants included Family Hope Program (Program Keluarga Harapan/PKH) facilitators, beneficiary families (Keluarga Penerima Manfaat/KPM), bank agents, as well as representatives from the Banda Aceh City Social Affairs Office and Aceh Besar Regency Government.
Through this initiative, the government and banking sector aim to improve public financial literacy in utilizing secure, simple, transparent, and responsible digital financial services. The electronification of social assistance is expected to accelerate the distribution process while ensuring that government support reaches those who are truly entitled to receive it.
In his speech, Budi Afrizal expressed his appreciation for the collaboration between the Bank Indonesia Representative Office, Bank Syariah Indonesia, and all related partners who have continuously supported digital transformation in the distribution of social assistance programs in Aceh.
According to him, the implementation of a non-cash disbursement system is an important step toward improving the efficiency of public services. The system not only makes it easier for beneficiaries to access assistance but also strengthens transparency and accountability in the management of government social programs.
"Digital transformation in social assistance distribution is not merely a change in the payment system, but part of efforts to make public services more qualified, transparent, and accessible to the community. The Aceh Government is committed to ensuring that every form of assistance reaches people who are truly eligible," said Budi Afrizal.
He explained that the Aceh Government under the leadership of Aceh Governor Muzakir Manaf and Aceh Deputy Governor Fadhlullah continues to encourage improvements in public services, particularly through strengthening technology-based social protection systems.
Budi Afrizal emphasized that the success of social assistance electronification does not solely depend on digital infrastructure availability. Equally important is ensuring equal access to banking services, including in villages and Gampong areas.
The Head of the Aceh Social Affairs Office expressed his hope that the Bank Syariah Indonesia service network would continue to move closer to communities, especially social assistance recipients in rural areas.
"We hope that the BSI service network will become closer to the people in the future. The presence of bank agents in villages and Gampong areas must continue to be expanded so that beneficiary families do not have to spend additional costs just to collect their assistance. The closer services are to the community, the greater the benefits of the assistance," he said.
He stated that transportation costs faced by some beneficiaries when accessing social assistance distribution points remain a challenge. This issue particularly affects families living far from banking facilities.
Therefore, Budi Afrizal encouraged stronger cooperation between the government, banking institutions, social assistance facilitators, and bank agents so that social protection programs become more accessible for all segments of society.
He also reminded social assistance recipients to maintain the security of their assistance accounts and use the funds according to applicable regulations.
"A social assistance account is a responsibility that must be protected. It must not be misused or handed over to other parties for activities that could harm the beneficiaries. Government assistance must be used to fulfill family needs and improve welfare," he stressed.
In addition to improving digital services, Budi Afrizal called on PKH facilitators to continue educating communities about the security of digital transactions and the protection of social assistance accounts from misuse.
He stated that PKH facilitators play an important role because they interact directly with beneficiary families at the community level.
"PKH facilitators have an important function as the front line of public education in the field. A good understanding among communities will strengthen the success of social assistance programs while improving people's financial literacy," he explained.
Budi Afrizal expressed hope that the 2026 BSNT electronification socialization and public awareness program would further strengthen cooperation between the Aceh Government, Bank Indonesia, Bank Syariah Indonesia, district and city governments, social assistance facilitators, and all related stakeholders.
He emphasized that the success of social protection programs should not only be measured by whether assistance has been distributed, but also by whether beneficiary families are able to manage the support responsibly.
According to him, improving financial literacy is a crucial element in building community independence. With better understanding, social assistance can provide a greater contribution to improving the welfare of beneficiary families.
At the end of his speech, Budi Afrizal called on all parties to maintain the integrity and accountability of social assistance programs so that the benefits truly reach those who need them.
"Let us work together to ensure that social assistance is distributed accurately, effectively, and provides the greatest possible benefit for the people of Aceh. With strong cooperation between the government, banking sector, social assistance facilitators, and the community, we are confident that we can strengthen social protection and realize a more prosperous Aceh," he concluded. (IDCN)
REPORTER: Adli Safwan | EDITOR: Fik Sagala
/home/u7391150/public_html/indatanews.com/theme/function.php on line 28