Relational Control of Program Keluarga Harapan (PKH) Facilitators in Assistance Utilization: A Case Study in Rancamulya Village

Suharma Suharma; Libora Carmelita; Helly Ocktilia

doi:10.31595/ijsw.v9i2.1903

Authors

Suharma Suharma Politeknik Kesejahteraan Sosial Bandung, Indonesia
Libora Carmelita Politeknik Kesejahteraan Sosial Bandung, Indonesia
Helly Ocktilia Politeknik Kesejahteraan Sosial Bandung, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.31595/ijsw.v9i2.1903

Abstract

Abstract: This study examines the relational control practiced by Program Keluarga Harapan (PKH) facilitators in guiding the utilization of assistance by beneficiary families in Rancamulya Village, Pameungpeuk Subdistrict, Bandung Regency. The issue is important because the effectiveness of conditional social assistance depends not only on the accuracy of fund distribution, but also on the ability of facilitators to communicate program values, monitor assistance use, clarify rules, and strengthen family responsibility. This study used a qualitative case study approach with a descriptive orientation. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, observation, focus group discussion, and document study. Six informants were selected through purposive sampling, consisting of three PKH facilitators, two Keluarga Penerima Manfaat (KPM), and one village official. The analysis used thematic analysis informed by the levers of control framework, covering interactive control, diagnostic control, boundary control, and belief control. The findings show that facilitator control was practiced through open communication, monitoring of commitments, clarification of assistance boundaries, and value-based empowerment. Control was implemented through home visits, Pertemuan Peningkatan Kemampuan Keluarga (P2K2), informal communication, and reminders to prioritize education, health, and family welfare. The main challenges were limited KPM understanding, uneven participation in P2K2, and weak village-level coordination. This study concludes that PKH facilitator control should be understood as a relational and educative social work practice, rather than merely administrative supervision. These findings imply the need to strengthen structured communication, family education, local coordination, and community-based monitoring to improve responsible assistance utilization.

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