10.47313 IMPROVING SOCIAL PROTECTION TARGETING METHOD IN INDONESIA: A HYBRID MEANS-TEST MODEL

IMPROVING SOCIAL PROTECTION TARGETING METHOD IN INDONESIA: A HYBRID MEANS-TEST MODEL

Abstract

The paper discusses an alternative solution for an inherent limitation
of the “Improved Proxy Means-test” method in identifying the deserving
targets of government social protection programs. Initially developed by “The
National Team for Poverty Eradication/TNP2K” the improved method served
as the foundation for the existing database of social protection beneficiaries,
called “Data Terpadu Kesejahteraan Sosial” (DTKS) adopted by the Ministry
of Social Affairs. Yet, the problem of “inclusion and exclusion errors” remains
high. This paper argues for the merit of a hybrid means-testing model to reduce
the errors significantly. The model utilizes the strengthened village governments
through Dana Desa Programs and the use of information technology. The
paper is organized in four parts. Following a brief reviews on the strengths
and limitations of the method, the second section examines the existing
limitations of DTKS updating method. The third and fourth sections discusses
the potentials for involving Village Government and the use of information
technology for implementing means-testing method and its limitations.