Ministry Of Social Affairs Targets 3 Million People To Get Out Of Extreme Poverty 2026

Illustration of poverty in Indonesia (ANTARA)

JAKARTA - Deputy Minister of Social Affairs (Wamensos) Agus Jabo Priyono emphasized that the extreme poverty alleviation program in Indonesia is a priority for the government. An ambitious target is starting to be launched, where extreme poverty must be completely eliminated in 2026, especially in the Central Java region.

"This is an order from the president. In 2026 extreme poverty amounting to 3.17 million must be completed. That is the president's order," said Deputy Minister of Social Affairs Agus Jabo Priyono during a visit to Boyolali University, Monday, May 26.

Not only relying on the Ministry of Social Affairs, Agus Jabo Priyono emphasized that the success of poverty alleviation requires collaboration across ministries, institutions, and the world of education.

"The Ministry of Social Affairs cannot be alone. The Ministry of Social Affairs must synergize with other ministries, with other institutions including campuses," he said.

Agus Jabo Priyono hopes that Boyolali University can become a strategic partner in this program, especially through the campus community service program. The plan is that the Ministry of Social Affairs will create a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with various universities in Central Java.

In addition to targeting poverty alleviation, the Deputy Minister of Social Affairs Agus Jabo Priyono also revealed another big plan, namely building 100 public schools (SR) ordered by President Prabowo Subianto. The target is that new teachings can start in July 2025.

"Now there are around 65 points. There are around 53 revitalization points. We are trying to cooperate with other ministries and district governments," he said.

People's schools are designed as free schools with boarding systems (asrama) for poor children, ranging from elementary, junior high, to high school levels. Curriculum will be prepared by the Directorate General of Basic and Secondary Education (Dikdasmen), while teaching staff will come from their respective regions.

He also mentioned that the total poverty rate in Indonesia, which now reaches 8.57 million people, is targeted to be reduced to below 5% by 2029.

The government believes that with an integrated approach and the support of all parties, Indonesia's vision without extreme poverty is not wishful thinking.

"Every point is elementary, junior high, and high school levels. Boarding for poor children, students is 1,000. If the school is in Boyolali, the teacher is also a Boyolali person," concluded Deputy Minister of Social Affairs Agus Jabo Priyono regarding the poverty target, which must be completed in 2026.