Cilegon's Success Story Presses Poverty Rate, Economic Empowerment And Strengthening Entrepreneurship Is The Main Focus

Photo: Special

JAKARTA - The poverty condition in Cilegon City has shown a downward trend in recent years. Based on data from the Banten Province Central Statistics Agency (BPS), the percentage of poor people in Cilegon City decreased from 3.98 percent in 2023 to 3.75 percent in 2024.

When compared to other areas in Banten Province, the percentage of poor people in Cilegon City is one of the lowest, in second place after South Tangerang which is 2.30 percent in 2024. Meanwhile, in Banten Province the percentage of poor people is 5.84 percent in 2024.

Nationally, Indonesia's poverty rate in 2023 is at 9.57 percent. Thus, Cilegon has a lower poverty rate than the national average, placing it as one of the cities with good poverty reduction performance.

This success cannot be separated from a series of strategic policies, such as strengthening social assistance programs, increasing access to education, and empowering the community's economy.

This success is also due to the support of the Cilegon City Government for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through a business capital loan program with 0 percent interest and legality licensing to support the MSME business. The Cilegon City Government also eliminates the management of Business Identification Numbers (NIB), administers halal certification, and administers Intellectual Property Rights (HAKI).

"We want to ensure that every Cilegon resident has the opportunity to develop skills and create independent businesses. By encouraging MSMEs and innovative job training, we believe we can create a more independent and prosperous society," said the Mayor of Cilegon, Helldy Agustian, in his statement, Monday, February 3.

Indeed, there are indications that certain community groups, especially those that are less affordable by industrial developments, are still vulnerable to poverty. However, the Cilegon City Government always makes significant policies to raise their standard of living.

In addition to reducing poverty, the Cilegon City Government also continues to strive to improve the quality of life of the community through education and health programs. Education scholarship programs have reached thousands of children from underprivileged families, while community-based health services are increasingly being expanded.

Not only that, to reduce the unemployment rate, the Cilegon City Manpower Office also continues to open access to jobs in domestic and foreign industries. Domestic access is by apprenticeing students and communities in the existing industries in Cilegon City. Most of them then become workers in factories or industries where they internship.

With various programs continuing, the Cilegon City Government is optimistic that it can reduce poverty even further. One of the strategic steps being taken is to increase access to job training for people of productive age and strengthen digital-based entrepreneurship programs.

The active role of the community and the contribution of the private sector have become a key factor in the success of development programs in Cilegon City. One real example is collaboration with local companies in creating new jobs and holding various skills training programs that have a positive impact on society.

According to Dr. Adiwarman, SH, MH, a lecturer at the Department of Fiscal Administration at the Faculty of Administrative Sciences, University of Indonesia, good governance places the government as a driving center, closely collaborating with the public and the private sector to create optimal results that benefit all parties.

"Economic, physical and psychological certainty is an important issue that must be prioritized, and the government must cooperate with various stakeholders to answer this challenge," he explained.

In an effort to reduce poverty in the people of Cilegon, the government has built a strategic partnership with the private sector and local communities. This initiative has yielded tangible results, supported by the recognition of the World Bank for Indonesia's success in reducing poverty through cross-sectoral collaboration.

"The collaboration carried out by the Cilegon City Government with the community and the private sector is a clear example of effective collaborative governance. By continuing to make the country the center, the government is able to embrace all parties to realize poverty alleviation programs," added Dr. Adiwarman.

The Cilegon City Government is committed to continuing programs that are oriented towards improving people's lives. With a clear vision and mature strategic steps, the focus of development is not only on reducing poverty, but also on improving people's welfare as a whole.

"Since the 1960s to the post-reform era, policy management has evolved into a more technocratic and based approach based on the use of all potential communities and the private sector," said Dr. Adiwarman, referring to the rational policy model that continues to be a guide.

The Mayor of Cilegon, Helldy Agustian, emphasized that this success was the result of the hard work of all elements of society.

"With the collaboration that continues to be maintained, we are optimistic that we will create a more prosperous and inclusive Cilegon future for all citizens," he said excitedly.

The continued strengthened cross-sector collaboration shows that the City of Cilegon is not only focused on economic growth, but also on sustainable development to create a better life for all its citizens.