Indonesia's middle class shrank due to a decline in the performance of the country's manufacturing sector.Jakarta (ANTARA) - A decline in the population of the middle class is not only a problem in Indonesia but also in many countries across the world, according to President Joko Widodo (Jokowi).
"This is a problem that occurs in almost all countries because the global economy is slowing down," the president stated here on Friday.
He further explained that such a phenomenon was not only triggered by the global economic downturn but also the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic that had protracted for the past two to three years.
The president pointed out that the crisis had created various economic difficulties in several countries.
"All countries are currently facing the same challenge," Jokowi noted.
The number of people classified as middle class in Indonesia has declined by 9.48 million in the past five years, according to the latest data from the Statistics Indonesia (BPS).
In 2019, the middle-class population in Indonesia numbered 57.33 million. The agency's data shows that the number has dropped to 47.85 million in 2024.
Indonesia's middle class shrank due to a decline in the performance of the country's manufacturing sector.
Responding to this issue, the Coordinating Ministry for Human Development and Culture reiterated the government's commitment to addressing welfare issues with various strategic policies.
These efforts include strengthening the MSME sector, increasing investment in education and health, as well as conducting economic reform to create wider opportunities for the community.
With these steps, the government is optimistic about stimulating inclusive economic growth.
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Translator: Andi Firdaus, Rangga Pandu Asmara Jingga, Yashinta
Editor: Arie Novarina
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