Social Welfare and Constitutional Mandates in Indonesia

Abstract

The welfare state in Indonesia has a strong constitutional foundation, as mandated in the Preamble of the 1945 Constitution and Article 34, which emphasize the state’s obligation to care for the poor, neglected children, and to provide social security and public services. The implementation of this mandate is reinforced through Law No. 11 of 2009 on Social Welfare, which regulates the roles of the government, local governments, and society in meeting citizens’ basic needs. However, the transformation of development policy from a top-down to a bottom-up model faces several challenges, including cultural resistance, weak coordination, and limited integration of approaches. Within the framework of the welfare state, the state is expected to reduce social inequality, broaden community participation, and ensure social justice for all citizens. This article analyzes the concept of the welfare state in Indonesia through a literature review of normative foundations, policy dynamics, and challenges in integrating development approaches. Therefore, this study highlights the importance of synergy between active state roles and community participation in achieving sustainable social welfare.