THE DILEMMA OF SOCIAL ASSISTANCE: IMPACT ON THE WELFARE OF THE SAMATURUE VILLAGE COMMUNITY, SINJAI REGENCY

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the positive and negative impacts of social assistance distribution on community welfare in Samaturue Village, Tellulimpoe Subdistrict, Sinjai Regency. The high poverty rate in this village, reaching approximately 61% of total household heads, has prompted the government to distribute various assistance programs, including the Family Hope Program (PKH), Non-Cash Food Assistance (BPNT), and Direct Cash Assistance (BLT). The study employed a qualitative approach with a descriptive type. Data were collected through observation, semi-structured interviews, and documentation involving village officials, social assistance facilitators, and assistance-recipient community members, then analyzed using the Miles and Huberman interactive model, comprising data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing and verification. The findings show that social assistance helps meet basic needs, eases household economic burdens, and strengthens social solidarity among residents. However, these positive impacts are temporary, as the assistance is mostly used for consumptive needs and has not yet driven significant economic change. The study also found negative impacts, including community dependency on assistance, declining work motivation, and social jealousy resulting from inaccurate targeting. Therefore, an integrated strategy is needed, encompassing strengthened economic empowerment, financial education, and improved data collection systems, so that social assistance can foster sustainable community self-reliance