The Role of Social Protection Programs in Promoting Economic Justice in Indonesia

Abstract

This paper explores the role of social protection programs in promoting economic justice in Indonesia, with a focus on poverty alleviation and reducing inequality. Social protection programs such as conditional cash transfers (CCTs), social insurance, and subsidies are designed to provide financial assistance to vulnerable populations, including the elderly, disabled, and poor households. The paper evaluates the effectiveness of these programs in addressing economic disparities, with a particular focus on the key initiatives under the Indonesian government's National Social Security System (SJSN) and the Family Hope Program (PKH). By analyzing data from program participants and examining their impacts on household income, education, and health outcomes, the study assesses the extent to which these programs promote economic justice. The paper also investigates the challenges faced by social protection programs, including issues of accessibility, coverage gaps, and the adequacy of financial assistance. Additionally, the paper examines the role of social protection in promoting social mobility and preventing the transmission of poverty across generations. The findings suggest that while social protection programs have made significant strides in reducing poverty, they remain insufficient to address the structural inequalities that perpetuate economic injustice. The paper concludes by offering recommendations for strengthening social protection mechanisms, such as expanding coverage, improving targeting efficiency, and increasing the integration of social protection with broader development policies.