Poor Is Not A Figure: There Are Still 24 Million Residents Who Stay Amid Limitations

JAKARTA - Member of Commission VIII DPR RI Maman Imanul Haq asked the government not to be complacent about the decline in the national poverty rate in March 2025. He emphasized the importance of hard work and policies that are more in favor of the small community.

This reduction in the poverty rate should be grateful, but do not let the government be careless. There are still almost 24 million of our brothers and sisters who live in poor conditions. We have to pay serious attention to this," Maman said in a statement to reporters, Friday, July 25.

According to data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), the number of poor people in March 2025 reached 23.85 million people or 8.47 percent of the total national population. This figure decreased by 0.2 million people compared to September 2024, and percentage decreased by 0.1 percent.

However, for Maman, the figure of almost 9 percent of the poor remains a big challenge that should not be taken lightly.

As a member of the commission in charge of social and religious affairs, Maman emphasized the need for community-based community empowerment programs, increasing access to quality education, and strengthening the social security system to accelerate poverty reduction.

He also urged that social assistance be distributed on target, supported by data transparency and synergy between the central and regional governments.

"The government must work even harder. Don't just focus on statistics, but make sure policies really touch and change the lives of the poor," he said.

He also mentioned the importance of strengthening National Social and Economic Single Data (DTSEN) as well as cross-ministerial collaboration as an important foundation in formulating appropriate social policies.

Previously, Deputy for Social Statistics BPS Ateng Hartono explained that the reduction in poverty in March 2025 compared to September 2024 was stable but still needed further work.

"This poverty profile is calculated based on the 2025 March National Socio-Economic Survey (Susenas). This survey is conducted twice a year, namely in March and September," said Ateng.