Don\'t Get Stuck on Numbers

KOMPAS/Lasti Kurnia

Workers install aluminum panels to the facade of a multi-storey building on Wednesday (15/1/2020) in Senayan, Jakarta. Statistics Indonesia (BPS) reported that wages had increased for laborers, especially in the construction and agriculture sectors, but laborers’ wages had actually decreased by 0.14-0.24 percent in December.

JAKARTA, KOMPAS – Real conditions and the people’s aspirations should be considered to prevent the government from becoming trapped in figures in its poverty reduction efforts. The poverty rate should not decrease quantitatively while the people continue to struggle, or even become even poorer.

The poverty rate should also be analyzed in terms of a variety of socioeconomic factors employing advanced methodologies. According to economics professor Ahmad Erani Yustika of Brawijaya University in Malang, the government must also review its poverty alleviation programs.