Innovating the Social Protection Program for Rural Communities Through the Implementation of Village Information System: A Case Study in Indonesia

Paper Abstract: Since 1945, Indonesia’s welfare regime has significantly evolved. Starting in 2014, it has shifted from an informal-liberal to an informal-inclusive model, aiming for universal health insurance similar to social-democratic welfare states. This transition reflects global influences on social policy.

While welfare policies can foster social integration, Indonesia’s unconditional cash transfer program has led to conflicts and social unrest. The Ministry of Social Affairs' integrated welfare data management policy contains many inaccuracies, negatively affecting targeted beneficiary groups in poverty alleviation efforts.

This study shows that the Village Information System (VIS) can address these inaccuracies by promoting collaboration between local governments and communities. Implementing this as a Public Data Trusts (PDTs) model allows for prioritizing community data sovereignty from the village level. Strengthening participation and transparency in social interactions between government agencies (from the village to the national level) and community members is crucial, as communities are the subjects and primary beneficiaries.

The government’s Electronic-based Government System and One Data Indonesia policies aim to improve and innovate social protections through integrated data governance. Strengthening participation and transparency across all levels of government with the community is essential for ensuring that social protection programs are supported by accurate and reliable data.