The issue of poverty and inequality remains one of the most pressing challenges facing developing countries, including Indonesia. In remote and underdeveloped regions such as Aran Village in East Gorom District, Eastern Seram Regency, access to basic needs like food, clean water, and economic resources is still limited. To address these problems, the Indonesian government has implemented various social protection programs, including the distribution of basic food (sembako) and cash assistance (bantuan tunai) as part of its national poverty alleviation strategy. These programs also align with global commitments to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 1 (No Poverty), Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), and Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities) [1] .

Despite the ongoing implementation of these programs, there is a noticeable lack of research that critically evaluates their effectiveness in remote and marginalized communities. Most existing studies tend to focus on urban or more accessible rural areas, leaving a research gap in understanding how such interventions function in geographically isolated regions like Eastern Gorom. This gap is critical because logistical barriers, cultural differences, and administrative inefficiencies in these regions often compromise the intended outcomes of national welfare programs. Moreover, while numerous evaluations have emphasized economic or administrative dimensions, very few have integrated Islamic economic perspectives-particularly those grounded in maqāṣid al-sharī'ah (the higher objectives of Islamic law)-in assessing the justice, fairness, and ethical execution of these programs [2] .

This study, therefore, addresses two significant research gaps: the geographical underrepresentation of remote areas like Aran Village in welfare studies and the minimal incorporation of Sharia economic principles in evaluating public assistance programs. It seeks to answer the following fundamental question: How effectively are food and cash assistance programs implemented in Aran Village, and to what extent do these initiatives support sustainable community welfare in accordance with Islamic economic ethics and SDG goals? [3] .

The significance of this research lies in its multidimensional approach. First, by focusing on Aran Village, the study brings attention to the voices and experiences of communities often left out of policy evaluations. These insights are crucial for achieving inclusive development and localized solutions that are sensitive to cultural and geographical specificities. Second, the integration of Sharia economics offers a moral and spiritual dimension to welfare discourse, highlighting values such as 'adl (justice), rahmah (compassion), and ta'āwun (mutual assistance). These principles encourage a holistic understanding of welfare that goes beyond material relief and includes dignity, empowerment, and ethical governance [3] .

Furthermore, the timing of this research is especially relevant. In the postpandemic recovery period, social safety nets have become more vital than ever, but budget constraints and growing inequality demand that welfare programs be more efficient, targeted, and ethically sound. Analyzing how assistance is distributed in remote areas from both practical and ethical standpoints can contribute significantly to policy refinement, especially in ensuring that national programs reach the most vulnerable populations. In conclusion, this study aims to contribute to the literature on welfare distribution by offering new insights into the challenges and potentials of food and cash assistance in remote Muslim-majority regions. By bridging the empirical realities of Aran Village with the normative ideals of Sharia economics and the global framework of the SDGs, this research aspires to inform policymakers, scholars, and practitioners about how to make welfare programs more inclusive, effective, and ethically grounded [4] .

Direct Cash Assistance (BLT) abbreviated as BLT, is not a new thing in Indonesia. It has been since 2005 when BLT was launched for the first time until it continued in 2009 and was renamed Temporary Direct Community Assistance (BLSM). Direct Cash Assistance (BLT) is assistance provided by the government to the poor in the form of cash to help them face economic difficulties amid rising fuel prices. Direct Cash Assistance (BLT) is one of the many models of social support schemes based on social support [5] .

Not only in Indonesia, several other countries have also adopted social assistance programs as one of the social safety net strategies, both in the form of cash and noncash. Cash Social Assistance (BST) is assistance in the form of money given to families classified as poor, unemployed/underprivileged. This is done as an effort by the government to overcome the impact of poverty. In this case, to solve problems in the social field, the government has prepared several program innovations to be carried out to overcome the problems faced by the Indonesian people. Based on the decision of the Minister of Social Affairs, the government created the Cash Social Assistance program. Cash Social Assistance (BST) is assistance in the form of money given to families classified as poor, unfortunate/underprivileged [6] .

The policy is a written rule that is a formal decision of the organization, which is binding and regulates behavior to create a new value system in society. The policy will be the main reference for members of the organization or members of society in behavior. Public policy is decisions that are binding on the public at a strategic or outline level made by public authority holders [7] . As a decision that is binding on the public, public policy must be made by political authorities, namely those who receive a mandate from the public or the public, generally through an election process to act on behalf of the people and in the interests of the people. Implementation is defined as the interaction between the preparation of goals and the means of action in achieving those goals, or the ability to connect in causal relationships between the desired and the means to achieve them Pressman and Wildavsky [8] .

Novelty of the Study. This study presents a unique contribution by combining an empirical investigation of food and cash assistance implementation in a geographically remote area with an evaluative framework grounded in Sharia economics and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). While many studies on social assistance programs in Indonesia focus on urban or semi-urban settings, this research specifically targets Aran Village in East Gorom, a region that is rarely examined in academic literature due to its logistical inaccessibility and limited exposure to national policy evaluations.

The novelty lies in the integration of Sharia economic principles-such as justice (ʿadl), mutual care (taʿāwun), and protection of essential needs (ḍarūriyyāt)-into the assessment of government welfare initiatives. This ethical lens adds depth to the analysis, moving beyond technical or economic effectiveness to consider moral accountability and social equity. Furthermore, by aligning its findings with key SDG targets (Goals 1, 2, and 10), the study bridges local realities with global development agendas, emphasizing the importance of inclusive and contextsensitive policy design. This dual-framework approach-Sharia economics and SDGs-offers a fresh, multidimensional perspective that can inform more holistic and just models of welfare distribution in underserved regions [8] .

The implementation of social assistance programs, both in the form of basic food assistance and cash assistance, has become a topic that has been widely researched in the context of public policy and social welfare. In the existing literature, social assistance is seen as an important instrument in reducing poverty and improving people's living standards [9] . In Indonesia itself, programs such as Direct Cash Assistance (BLT) and Cash Social Assistance (BST) have been implemented since the early 2000s in response to economic pressures, including rising fuel prices and the global economic crisis. Policy Implementation Theory In the context of public policy, implementation is a crucial phase that bridges policy formulation with real results in the field [10] .

Pressman and Wildavsky stated that implementation is the process of interaction between policy objectives and the means used to achieve them. This includes the distribution mechanisms, the actors involved, and the local context that influences the course of the policy. Social Assistance as a Policy Instrument Social assistance for cash and necessities is often considered a short-term strategic step in dealing with poverty and economic inequality [11] .

Lusk & Amanda underline that developing countries globally have adopted similar approaches, with variations in the form of aid, distribution systems, and oversight and accountability. In Indonesia, social assistance policies are regulated through the decree of the Minister of Social Affairs, which targets poor and vulnerable households based on integrated social welfare data (DTKS) [12] . Implementation Challenges in Remote Areas Studies show that the implementation of aid programs in remote areas, such as villages in archipelagos or border areas, often faces logistical and administrative constraints, as well as low capacity of local resources [13] . In addition, the problem of target accuracy, limited valid data, and lack of coordination between institutions are the main obstacles to the effectiveness of the program.

Aran Village in East Gorom, which has limited infrastructure and accessibility, is a clear example of the challenges of implementing assistance in the 3T (frontier, outermost, disadvantaged) area [14] . Efforts to Increase Program Effectiveness To increase the effectiveness of social assistance, the literature recommends several strategic steps, such as strengthening the recipient verification system, using digital technology in data collection and distribution, and increasing community participation in the distribution process [15] .

Transparency and accountability are also important keys so that the assistance provided reaches those in need and is not abused by certain individuals [16] . By referring to the conceptual framework and previous findings, the case study in Aran Village, East Gorom contributes to enriching the understanding of local dynamics in the implementation of social assistance programs in Indonesia, especially in challenging geographical contexts and bureaucratic capacity [17] .

This study uses a qualitative approach to explore and analyze the implementation of social assistance distribution in East Aran Gorom Village. Research Approach. A qualitative approach was chosen to provide an in-depth understanding of social phenomena related to the distribution of basic food assistance and cash assistance. This research focuses on the interpretation of data from the perspective of the community and stakeholders [18].

Data Collection Techniques. In-depth interviews: Conducted with related parties, such as aid recipients, village government officials, and distribution officers. Interviews are designed to dig into information about the process, constraints, and impact of social assistance programs. Field Observation: Direct observation was carried out to see the implementation of aid distribution at the research site. Observation also includes the collection of visual and descriptive data on geographical and social conditions in East Aran Gorom Village [19] .

Data Analysis Techniques. Organizing data by theme or category. Identify the main patterns, relationships, and problems in the implementation of social assistance distribution. Drawing conclusions based on the interpretation of the data that has been processed [20].

Location and Research Subject. The research was conducted in Aran Village, Maluku Province, East Gorom District, Eastern Seram Regency. Research subjects include: The recipient community and local government officials are involved in the distribution process.

Data Validity. The validity of the data is ensured through triangulation of methods, sources, and theories. This triangulation aims to minimize bias and increase the validity of the research findings [21] .

The distribution of aid and cash assistance is an important part of the government's efforts to improve the welfare of the community, especially in areas facing poverty challenges such as Aran Village, East Gorom. The program aims to provide direct support to people in need, in the hope of reducing the burden of living and improving their quality of life.

The implementation of food and cash assistance programs in East Aran Gorom, Ambon, plays a crucial role in addressing the persistent issue of poverty and enhancing the welfare of the local community. These programs, aligned with the goals of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 1 (No Poverty), Goal 2 (Zero Hunger), and Goal 10 (Reduced Inequalities), aim to provide immediate relief while contributing to long-term socio-economic development. From a Sharia economic perspective, the concept of social assistance is deeply rooted in the principles of al-adl (justice), maslahah (public interest), and zakat-like mechanisms that promote wealth distribution and social solidarity. Despite the noble objectives, the implementation faces several challenges. Accessibility constraints, outdated or inaccurate beneficiary data, misuse or diversion of aid, limited human resources, and weak inter-agency coordination are major obstacles to achieving optimal impact. These issues not only affect the efficiency of aid distribution but also compromise the trust and participation of the community. To overcome these issues, strategic solutions have been identified, including improving transportation and logistics to reach remote areas, regular updates of beneficiary databases to ensure accuracy and fairness, stricter monitoring and surveillance systems to reduce fraud, and enhanced training for local personnel involved in aid distribution. Moreover, empowering the local community to actively participate in the process "through monitoring, feedback, and involvement in decision-making" can significantly increase transparency and accountability. The integration of Sharia economic principles in the management of social assistance adds moral and ethical values to the program. Concepts such as amanah (trust), ihsan (benevolence), and ta'awun (mutual help) encourage both the implementers and recipients to fulfill their roles responsibly. When combined with technological innovations and strong institutional cooperation, these efforts can significantly enhance the impact of the programs. In conclusion, achieving sustainable welfare through food and cash assistance in East Aran Gorom requires continuous commitment, multisectoral collaboration, and alignment with both SDGs and Islamic economic ethics. With a people-centered, just, and transparent approach, such programs can serve as an effective instrument for poverty alleviation and inclusive development in Eastern Indonesia.

The authors would like to express their deepest gratitude to the residents and village officials of East Aran Gorom for their warm cooperation and valuable insights during the research process. Special thanks are also extended to Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta Indonesia, and the Faculty of Islamic Studies, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt for their academic support and encouragement. This research would not have been possible without the contributions of local stakeholders and the inspiration drawn from Islamic economic principles and SDGs commitments.

All authors contributed equally to the conceptualization, data collection, analysis, and writing of this paper. The first author led the field research and data interpretation, while the second author provided the Sharia economic framework and academic guidance. Both authors collaborated closely in reviewing and finalizing the manuscript to ensure academic rigor and relevance.

All authors declare no conflict of interest.