BPS Highlights "Rojali" Trend: Nahan Consumption Upper Group Doesn't Affect Poverty Rate

JAKARTA - Deputy for Social Statistics of the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), Ateng Hartono said, from the results of the 2025 National Socio-Economic Survey (Susenas), it shows that there is a tendency for upper groups to hold back consumption or the current term of the group to rarely buy (Rojali).

Even so, he stressed that this phenomenon does not necessarily have a direct impact on the national poverty rate.

"Based on data from Susenas 2025, the upper group has indeed withheld consumption. We have observed that from Susenas. However, this certainly does not affect the poverty rate because it is the upper group," said Ateng in a statement broadcast online, quoted on Saturday, July 26.

According to Ateng, although this term does not always describe poverty statistically, this kind of social phenomenon should be a serious concern in the formulation of public policy.

"The phenomenon of 'Rojali' does not necessarily reflect poverty. Of course this is also relevant as a social symptom. Rojali is an important signal to make policies not only focus on reducing poverty but also pay attention to how to maintain consumption and stability of households in the lower middle class," he explained.

Meanwhile, based on BPS data, the number of poor people in Indonesia in March 2025 was recorded at 23.85 million people or equivalent to 8.74 percent of the total population. Meanwhile, the number of poor people in March 2025, decreased by 0.10 percentage points compared to September 2024 and decreased by 0.56 percentage points to March 2024.

Ateng explained that the criteria for poor people in Indonesia are determined based on per capita expenditure which is below the poverty line. Still based on data from Susenas March 2025, the poverty line is set at IDR 609,160 per capita per month, or around IDR 20,305 per day.