Programs To Remove Extreme Poverty In Eastern Indonesia Cannot Be Equated With Other Regions

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JAKARTA - Data explains, 3.3 million Indonesians are categorized as extreme poor. The government is obliged to prepare a special program to solve extreme poverty.

"This is something that all of us regret, where our compatriots in eastern Indonesia are categorized as extreme poor. The government needs to prepare a special strategy to reduce poverty in Indonesia," said DPR Speaker Puan Maharani, Monday, August 28.

The Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture (Kemenko PMK) reports that there are still 3.3 million Indonesians who experience extreme poverty. Of this number, the most extreme poor people are in eastern Indonesia.

Puan realizes that economic and social inequality between regions is a complex phenomenon considering geographical factors, access to education, health services, decent housing, and job opportunities also affect the poverty level in the regions.

"The central and regional governments must coordinate carefully so that the assistance program is more targeted. It must be remembered that the perspective of the community, especially in eastern Indonesia, cannot be equated with other regions, so the way the assistance approach is different," said the first woman who served as Chair of the DPR RI.

Furthermore, Puan encourages an evaluation from the Government regarding assistance programs, especially for people in eastern Indonesia. According to him, accurate data and what factors cause extreme poverty in the area are needed.

"By having reliable data, the Government can design programs that are right on target and effective in overcoming the problem of poverty," explained Puan.

The development of the program that is right on target is considered important following the steps taken by the Ministry of Finance (Kemenkeu) which budgets IDR 500 trillion for social protection included in the 2024 State Revenue and Expenditure Budget Draft (RAPBN). The funds are a form of commitment in reducing extreme poverty and to support low-income groups.

The former Coordinating Minister for Human Development and Culture reminded that the budget should be used in an appropriate and effective social assistance program. That way, said Puan, people who are at the extreme poverty line can receive the benefits directly.

"With a large enough budget, it is hoped that it will be right on target and there will be no misappropriation of funds. If this is realized properly, then it is not impossible that the Government's target in 2024 regarding 0 percent poverty can be realized," he said.

Based on data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS), the trend of extreme poverty in Indonesia each year has decreased, where in 2021 the poverty rate reached 10.1 percent. Then it fell to 9.5 percent in 2022. Then in 2023, the extreme poverty rate has reached 2.04 percent.

To achieve the 0 percent poverty target by 2024, the Government will launch several programs. Such as the Family Hope Program (PKH), social assistance to energy subsidies.

Puan also appreciated the Government's steps in its commitment to reduce extreme poverty in the country. However, he reminded that this effort needs to be monitored critically to ensure that the steps taken are really effective and have a significant impact on society.

"If based on the evaluation, it turns out that it is not effective enough, then the Government must be quick to change the rules and social assistance schemes so that the deadline for the poverty alleviation target can be achieved," said Puan.

"Especially for eastern Indonesia, there must be an assistance program that is made specifically for the people there," continued Bung Karno's grandson.

Through its supervisory function, the DPR will ensure that it will always oversee every program run by the Government.

"We at the DPR are committed to overseeing every government policy in terms of social assistance programs. We all hope that social justice can be created for all Indonesian people wherever they are," concluded Puan.