In general, in the period of September 2011–March 2022, the poverty rate in Indonesia has decreased, both in terms of the number and the percentage.

Jakarta (Indonesia Window) – The Statistics Indonesia (BPS) has noted that the percentage of poor people in March 2022 was 9.54 percent, down 0.17 percentage point compared to September 2021 and decreased 0.60 percentage point compared to March 2021.

"The economic recovery that occurred in the first quarter of 2022 has an impact on reducing poverty, and is in line with the improving economy," BPS’ Head Margo Yuwono told a press conference here on Friday.

Margo said the number of poor people in March 2022 decreased by 340,000 people compared to September 2021, and decreased by 1.3 million people compared to March 2021 to 26.16 million people in March 2021.

Margo explained that based on the National Socio-Economic Survey which takes place every year in March and September, the number of poor people in March 2022 was recorded at 26.16 million people. This number covers 9.54 percent of Indonesia's population.

The poverty rate decreased by 0.17 percent from the conditions in September 2021, which was 26.5 million people or 9.71 percent of the poor.

According to Margo, the trend of decreasing poverty from its highest point occurred in September 2020, which was 27.55 million people or 10.19 percent.

Nevertheless, Margo said that the poverty rate had not returned to the level before the COVID-19 pandemic. In March 2019, the poverty rate was still at 9.41 percent and then decreased in September 2019 to 9.22 percent.

The poverty rate then increased in March 2020 to 9.78 percent and jumped in September 2020.

Meanwhile, the trend of decreasing poverty in rural areas is faster than in urban areas, although there is a disparity that poverty in rural areas is still higher than in urban areas.

In March 2022, the percentage of poverty in urban areas fell from 7.60 percent to 7.50 percent. Meanwhile in rural areas it decreased from 12.53 percent to 12.29 percent.

Margo pointed out that poverty in rural areas is still higher than urban areas, with quite a lot of disparities.

In general, in the period of September 2011–March 2022, the poverty rate in Indonesia decreased, both in terms of the number and the percentage, except for September 2013, March 2015, March 2020, and March 2021.

The increase in the number and percentage of poor people in the period of September 2013 and March 2015 occurred after an increase in the price of basic commodities as a result of the increase in the price of fuel oil.

Reporting by Indonesia Window