"A law stipulates that poverty alleviation must be carried out through well-directed, collaborative, and sustained efforts," the minister stated during a dialogue with local officials in charge of social affairs in Pemalang, Central Java, on Saturday (April 5).
As cited in a statement here on Sunday, Yusuf emphasized that aligning commitments and actions among stakeholders is crucial, noting that the lack of coordination has been one of the major obstacles to effective poverty reduction in Indonesia.
Moreover, the poverty rate among Pemalang residents still exceeds Indonesia's national average, he added.
"Experience has shown us the need to avoid ego in poverty handling. What must be done is to alleviate poverty through directed, concerted, and continuous efforts, as mandated by the law," he reiterated.
The minister further called on Pemalang’s local government to support the updating of the National Integrated Socio-Economic Data (DTSEN), which is essential for accurately targeting social assistance programs.
Yusuf noted that the Ministry of Social Affairs has allocated Rp530.859 billion (nearly US$32 million) to provide social aid to 147,445 families in the region.
With regional governments performing well in poverty alleviation, the aid beneficiaries are expected to become more self-reliant within five years, eliminating the need for continued assistance, he added.
The minister also set a target for officials managing the Family Hope Program (PKH) to ensure that at least 10 beneficiaries graduate from the program annually to further reduce poverty rates.
Pemalang District Head Widyantoro welcomed the minister’s recommendations, stating that his administration is prepared to review its current efforts and update relevant data to help Pemalang rise out of the list of the five poorest districts in Central Java.
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Translator: Sean F, Tegar Nurfitra
Editor: Primayanti
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