TNP2K and Telkomsel Will Perform Test Disbursement of Government Assistance

15 October 2015

The National Team for the Acceleration of Poverty Reduction (TNP2K) in cooperation with Telkomsel will conduct a feasibility study of the use of electronic money in doing T-cash government aid distribution. It is delivered at the launch of T-Cash in Gandaria City (15/10). The event was attended by Minister of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) Rudiantara, Executive Secretary TNP2K-Bambang Widianto, Elan Satriawan-Chairman of the Working Group of Policy Monitoring and Evaluation TNP2K, President Director of Telkomsel-Ririek Adriansyah, as well as Program Director Electronification and Financial Inclusion Bank of Indonesia-Pungky Purnomo.

Rudiantara appreciate the telecommunications operator that delivers services electronic money (e-money). He urged synergy between the banking industry and the telecommunications sector that the government plans to realize non-cash movements to be realized evenly over the country

While Bambang Widianto during a media briefing this afternoon expressed his appreciation to the launch of T-Cash. "This cooperation would be appropriate given the synergies that Telkomsel also want to open up the network to the remote, where most poor people in remote area," said Bambang.

He also confirmed that the digital money service from Telkomsel is under consideration as a means of channeling the subsidy of programs of direct cash assistance from the government to society. "To achieve this goal, TNP2K will do a pre-test using this service. Pre-trial will be conducted in November 2015 with a target -Desember 2,000 households in Jakarta, Cirebon and Semarang, "said Bambang.

Elan Satriawan, Head of the Policy Working Group TNP2K on the same occasion also said that by using digital money services that utilize mobile technology are hoping government subsidies can reach people who are entitled in a fast time and a corresponding amount.

He also hopes next year T-cash can be started to be used widely to deliver assistance. "If the positive studies, next year may be used. And if successful will be the T-cash social assistance distribution platform in the world, "said Elan.

Elan also explained that previously TNP2K has cooperated with PT. Pos Indonesia and several banks in the distribution of social assistance. With the T-cash expected to reach more Household Target via digital financial system. The scope of beneficiaries are not only personal but also on micro-enterprises. This also followed by the improvement of data and mechanisms, as well as updating the technology which is expected in November and December test the feasibility of T-cash and TNP2K do. The trial became a benchmark for the conduct of alternative distribution of social assistance provided by the government.

Ririek Adriansyah, President Director of Telkomsel delivered with Telkomsel wide range that includes 95% of Indonesia can help the government to distribute aid to remote Indonesia. E-cash is a framework of inclusive finance strategies and the National Movement of Non-Cash (GNNT) for people with banking activities are still minimal.