Enhancing Social Protection Targeting through Socio-Economic Data: A Pathway from Social Assistance to Economic Empowerment through Better Graduation Programs

This paper explores the potential of Socio-Economic Registration Data (Regsosek) as a crucial tool in supporting Indonesia's adaptive social protection reform. This reform focuses on integrating comprehensive socio-economic data, harmonizing programs, and digitalizing service delivery while leveraging innovative funding schemes. Regsosek will play a pivotal role in transitioning beneficiaries from social assistance and protection programs to economic empowerment initiatives.

Indonesia’s adaptive social protection aims to enhance resilience by ensuring that programs are effectively targeted and can evolve with the changing needs of marginalized communities. By integrating Regsosek, government interventions can be better aligned with labor market demands, ensuring that vulnerable groups, including women and people with disabilities, receive the support they need. This data will facilitate precise targeting, equitable resource distribution, and greater inclusivity while addressing disparities in access across different regions.

This paper evaluates the accuracy and efficiency of targeting within existing programs—both social protection and economic empowerment—assessing whether current interventions effectively reach intended beneficiaries, from the poor and vulnerable to the middle class. It also identifies potential areas for improvement in targeting strategies, ensuring that resources are allocated more effectively and that programs achieve their desired impact.

The recommendations emphasize leveraging Regsosek to enhance data-driven decision-making, improve outreach, and continuously refine program implementation. These strategies aim to support individuals in graduating from reliance on social assistance toward economic independence, fostering an inclusive and prosperous society.

By integrating Regsosek, Indonesia can ensure better coordination of its social and economic programs, delivering more effective, efficient, and sustainable results aligned with the country's vision for equitable and inclusive development.