Efektivitas Program Keluarga Harapan dalam Meningkatkan Kesejahteraan Masyarakat Desa Pematang Guntung, Teluk Mengkudu

The Family Hope Program (Program Keluarga Harapan/PKH) is a conditional social assistance program intended to help poor and vulnerable households meet basic needs and improve access to education and health services. This study analyzes the effectiveness of PKH in improving community welfare in Pematang Guntung Village, Teluk Mengkudu District, Serdang Bedagai Regency, North Sumatra. A qualitative descriptive approach was employed. Data were collected through interviews, observation, and documentation, involving 18 purposively selected informants: eight beneficiary families, seven non-beneficiary residents, one PKH facilitator, one village official, and one community leader. Data were analyzed through data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings indicate that PKH provides practical support for children’s educational needs, access to health services, and partial relief from household expenditure. Beneficiaries generally understand the program’s basic objectives, while monthly group meetings and facilitator coordination help maintain communication and monitor school attendance and maternal and child health. However, implementation remains constrained by outdated beneficiary records, perceived targeting inaccuracies, delays in disbursement, uneven understanding of educational obligations, and limited support for long-term economic independence. Facilitator workload and the voluntary role of group leaders also limit the intensity of assistance. The study concludes that PKH is reasonably effective in supporting basic welfare needs, but its contribution to sustainable welfare would be strengthened by regular data verification, more reliable disbursement, targeted assistance, and expanded economic empowerment.