Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has introduced biometric validation for distributing Temporary Housing Funds (DTH) to disaster victims in Sumatra, eliminating the need for ID cards or family registers. The system uses stored fingerprint and photo data from population records to verify identities. This ensures aid reaches recipients even if documents are lost in the disaster.
Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) has rolled out a biometric verification system to streamline the distribution of Temporary Housing Funds (DTH) to disaster victims in Sumatra. This initiative addresses the loss or damage of identity documents caused by the calamity, ensuring financial support reaches those in need without delays.
Abdul Muhari, Head of BNPB's Data, Information, and Disaster Communication Center, described the DTH mechanism as flexible to match on-the-ground realities. The agency draws on population records from the Directorate General of Population and Civil Registration under the Ministry of Home Affairs (Kemendagri), including fingerprints and photographs.
"As soon as our affected brothers and sisters arrive at the bank or through our pick-up service, they just need to undergo biometric validation," Abdul Muhari said during a press conference in Jakarta on Saturday (January 10, 2026).
The recipient nomination process is phased: village governments submit data, subdistricts validate it, and regents or mayors approve it via a by-name-by-address decree. The information is then cross-checked against Kemendagri's database before funds are released.
BNPB avoids waiting for complete data compilation. Approved portions are processed immediately, with additional data following in subsequent stages. This approach allows victims to quickly access funds for basic needs.
"Is everything covered yet? Not yet. So we don't wait for full data first. Whatever is collected gets decreed and then disbursed," Abdul added.
The DTH aid spans three months—December, January, and February. Afterward, BNPB will assess whether to extend or terminate it, depending on progress in building permanent housing in the affected areas.
