The phenomenon of street clown begging in Palembang City is a complex and growing social problem. This activity reflects economic instability and limited access to education and decent work. Although the Palembang City Government, through the Social Services Agency, has implemented a rehabilitation program as a form of effort, the number of street clown beggars continues to increase annually. This indicates that rehabilitation efforts have not been optimal.

This study aims to determine and understand the role of the Social Services Agency in the rehabilitation program for street clown beggars in Palembang City. The research method used is a descriptive qualitative approach, with data collection techniques including in-depth interviews, observation, and documentation in several locations, such as the Palembang City Social Services Agency, Simpang Polda, and Radial. Data analysis was carried out through data collection, data presentation, and verification and confirmation of conclusions.

The research results show that the role of the Social Services Agency in the rehabilitation program for street clown beggars in Palembang City is realized through the Outreach Team activities that routinely conduct outreach at red light points, such as the Regional Police and Radial intersections. In this activity, officers take action against street clown beggars by confiscating clown costumes used for begging, then taking them to a rehabilitation center for identity registration. This registration aims to monitor the sustainability of street clown beggars and prevent them from returning to the streets. In addition, the Social Services Agency also provides social assistance in the form of basic necessities and cash to support the recovery and social empowerment of street clown beggars.

This study concludes that the role of the Social Services Agency in the rehabilitation program for street clown beggars in Palembang City is not optimal, despite implementation in accordance with SOPs, namely the outreach and rehabilitation team. Limited cross-agency coordination is a major factor. Therefore, stronger synergy is needed between the Social Services Agency, local governments, the Indonesian National Armed Forces (TNI), and the Indonesian National Police (Polri) to improve the effectiveness of the rehabilitation program.