A 'Small' Step From Ganjar Pranowo Who Tries To Reduce Central Java's Poverty Rate

Ganjar Pranowo (Photo via Central Java Provincial Government)

JAKARTA - Central Java Governor Ganjar Pranowo is trying to accelerate the reduction in poverty in Central Java. Various innovations have begun to prove to be able to reduce poverty.

A proven effective example is 'Now Smart Women's School' or 'Sat Kartini' and 'Ceting Ketan', which stands for "Prevention of Stunting in Vulnerable Groups".

Political observer Lucius Karus praised Ganjar Pranowo's various steps in reducing poverty levels.

"Ganjar innovation can be read in this context, namely efforts to consistently reduce poverty," said Lucius in his statement, Wednesday, March 1.

Lucius also appreciated the focus of policies targeting vulnerable community groups such as disabilities, women, and children. For him, this group does need more attention in overcoming the problem of poverty.

"This priority choice is very possible not only to boost the target of reducing poverty but also an expression of concern as a regional leader," added Lucius.

Based on BPS data, the trend of poverty in the Central Java region has decreased consistently since 2010. In detail, in 2010 it was at 13.3 percent.

The following year 12.36 percent (2011); 11.66 percent (2012); 11.47 percent (2013); 10.96 percent (2014); 11.13 percent (2015); 10.7 percent (2016); 10.12 percent (2017), 9.66 percent (2018), 9.22 percent (2019); 10.19 percent (2020), and 9.71 percent (2021).

Not only that, the average income inequality (Indeks Gini) for Central Java in 2014-2021 was the lowest compared to Provinces throughout Java and Nationally. This indicates that equitable income in 2014-2021 in Central Java is better than provinces in Java and nationally.

Furthermore, Lucius realized that the slow decline in the number of poor groups showed the severity of the fundamental problems that became the root of poverty in society. Therefore, leaders are required to be innovative, creative, and responsive in dealing with this problem.

Although positive changes were not immediately seen on a large scale in a short time, Lucius said that every small step towards reducing poverty must always be appreciated.

"Therefore, leaders are required to be innovative, creative and responsive. Ganjar's innovation can be read in this context, namely efforts to consistently reduce poverty. Although not immediately having a big impact instantly, positive changes must always be a space full of hope to fight," said Lucius.

On the other hand, Lucius believes that the various innovative movements carried out by Ganjar will be considered by a number of parties as an image. However, he said that this assessment should not be used as an obstacle for Ganjar to continue to work hard in overcoming poverty in Central Java.

"Of course everyone can judge but Ganjar's consistency to focus on developing innovations to reduce poverty to positive points for him," he said.