Jakarta – The latest data from the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) shows a decline in the poverty rate in March 2025 to 23.85 million people, or 8.47% of the total population, down 0.21 million compared to September 2024. The government under President Prabowo Subianto welcomed this achievement as evidence of the effectiveness of the “integrated strategy” for poverty reduction outlined by Minister of State Secretary Prasetyo Hadi.
Prasetyo explained four strategic programs that are now interconnected in poverty alleviation efforts. First, the compilation of the National Social and Economic Single Data (DTSEN) to ensure social assistance is targeted. Second, the Free Nutritious Meals program—not only increasing children’s nutritional intake but also creating jobs for the poor and those who have lost their jobs.
“The potential employment opportunities resulting from the Nutritious Meals program can be focused on our brothers and sisters who are currently below the poverty line,” he said.
Third, the establishment of the Merah Putih Village/Sub-district Cooperative, which is expected to stimulate the rural economy and open up new business opportunities. Fourth, the acceleration of the downstreaming program for domestic raw commodities to add value and create jobs.
“We are currently pushing this downstreaming program to ensure its immediate realization and the creation of new job opportunities,” Prasetyo concluded.
The House of Representatives (DPR) also welcomed the decline in poverty rates. Deputy Speaker Sufmi Dasco Ahmad stated that the government, under President Prabowo Subianto’s leadership, has undertaken various efforts to alleviate poverty.
“Yes, the goal of the recent government is, among other things, to reduce poverty,” said Dasco.
The DPR, as a balancing force, has also carried out its duties to support and review various input from BPS and the public.
“The current government continues to make these efforts, and the House of Representatives (DPR) certainly supports them. We will comprehensively review the input from BPS,” Dasco said.
BPS Deputy for Social Statistics, Ateng Hartono, explained that the 0.10 percentage point decrease was calculated from the March 2025 National Socioeconomic Survey (Susenas). The Susenas, held every March and September, is used to monitor poverty dynamics and formulate policies.
“The percentage of the poor population fell to 8.47%, accompanied by a decline in the extreme poverty rate to 0.85%,” he said.
Through collaboration between accurate data, integrated socio-economic programs, and DPR oversight, the government affirms its commitment to further reducing poverty.
