IMPACT OF THE SOCIAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM ON POVERTY LEVELS IN URBAN AREAS

Abstract

Poverty is a multidimensional problem and has far-reaching impacts. Poverty can be seen as the inability to meet various needs, the shackles of society by customary or cultural factors, or also the helplessness of society against an unjust social system. Handling poverty requires comprehensive policies from all relevant parties. The government is one of the keys to the success of poverty alleviation programs through the programs provided. One of them is social assistance. The aim of the research is to find out the impact of the cash social assistance policy on the poverty level in Palu City. The type of research is qualitative with descriptive research type. Data collection techniques are observation, interviews and documentation. Data analysis uses data reduction, data presentation, and data verification. The results of research regarding the impact of social assistance programs in Palu City show that various initiatives, such as Business Capital Assistance, Self-Help Housing Stimulant Assistance, and Business Equipment Assistance for PPKS, positively influence poverty and community welfare. The Business Capital Assistance Program provides economic encouragement to small businesses, Self-Help Housing Stimulant Assistance improves the quality of housing and public awareness of the living environment, while Business Equipment Assistance for PPKS empowers individuals or groups who need social welfare services.