In the ministry's statement here on Wednesday, Minister Yusuf emphasized the importance of cross-sector cooperation to further reduce the province's already low poverty rate.
"Central Kalimantan is a province with a relatively low poverty rate, and this deserves praise. However, we must not be complacent. We must continue to work hard to reduce it further," he remarked.
The minister presented data from Statistics Indonesia (BPS), which recorded the poverty rate in Central Kalimantan as of September 2024 at 5.26 percent, placing it among the 10 provinces with the lowest poverty rates nationally.
According to BPS data, poverty in Central Kalimantan is not high. East Waringin City had the highest number of poor residents, totaling 26 thousand, followed by Kapuas District with 19 thousand. Mandau District had the lowest figure, with 2,700 poor residents.
Nevertheless, Minister Yusuf urged local governments to strengthen their synergy with social workers and other community elements to reduce the poverty rates significantly.
"Poverty alleviation must be conducted in a directed, integrated, and sustainable manner. Our steps must be in alignment," he stressed.
He also underscored the importance of routinely measuring poverty alleviation, such as collecting data on families that have exited poverty.
"Data must be collected of families that have exited poverty. Over the last four months, we have consolidated the national poverty data," he stated.
In line with this, the president has issued Presidential Instruction No. 4 of 2025 regarding the National Socio-Economic Single Data (DTSEN), mandating all ministries, agencies, and local governments to utilize the same data as a reference in conducting social programs.
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Translator: Sean, Kenzu
Editor: Azis Kurmala
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