DYNAMICS OF SOCIAL ASSISTANCE RECIPIENTS IN ACHIEVE COMMUNITY ECONOMIC INDEPENDENCE (A PHENOMENOLOGICAL STUDY IN BONTANG CITY)

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the dynamics of social assistance beneficiaries in achieving economic independence of communities in Bontang City using a phenomenological approach. The research focuses on the experiences of recipients of the Family Hope Program (PKH) with 2,948 households, the Non-Cash Food Assistance Program (BPNT) with 4,788 households, and the Joint Business Group (KUBE) with 68 groups. Social assistance is regarded as an instrument of public policy that functions as a social safety net as well as a means of community empowerment. However, the field reality shows diverse dynamics of acceptance. Most PKH and BPNT beneficiaries use the assistance primarily for basic consumption needs, resulting in limited progress toward economic independence. In contrast, KUBE recipients have begun to demonstrate transformative efforts toward independence through productive business activities, although on a relatively small scale. The findings highlight that social assistance policies should not only focus on consumptive aspects but must also be integrated with empowerment programs to promote community economic independence, as emphasized in the theories of public policy (Dye, 2013), empowerment (Suharto, 2014), and economic independence.