Angka Kemiskinan Nasional Turun, tapi Warga Miskin di Kota Justru Naik, Ini Sebabnya

Summary

Indonesia’s poverty rates show a paradox: while national poverty has decreased, urban poverty is on the rise. As of March 2025, urban poverty increased slightly due to factors like semi-unemployment, rising living costs, and the challenges faced by migrants from rural areas. Experts argue that urban poverty is exacerbated by the high cost of essentials and a lack of access to government aid. Solutions include slowing urbanization by boosting rural development and creating job opportunities in sectors like agriculture and agribusiness, which could ease the pressures of urban migration.

Takeaways

• 😀 National poverty in Indonesia decreased by 0.21 million people, dropping to 8.47% in March 2025, compared to September 2024.
• 😀 Urban poverty increased by 0.07%, reaching 6.73% in March 2025, despite the national decrease in poverty.
• 😀 The rise in urban poverty is partly due to an increase in semi-unemployment, where people work less than 35 hours per week while actively seeking additional jobs.
• 😀 A rise in male unemployment in urban areas has contributed to the increase in urban poverty, as men are often the primary earners in families.
• 😀 The increase in food prices, including essential commodities like cooking oil, chili, and garlic, has made life harder for the urban poor.
• 😀 Urban residents are heavily dependent on market prices for essential goods, making them vulnerable to price fluctuations, especially those in lower-income groups.
• 😀 Many urban poor retain their rural identities due to rapid urbanization, making it difficult for them to access government assistance programs like social benefits.
• 😀 Experts argue that the growing number of urban poor will lead to more complex poverty issues if not addressed soon, as urbanization continues to increase.
• 😀 Muhammad Faisal from CORE suggests that managing urban poverty requires slowing down the rapid urbanization by improving rural areas.
• 😀 Solutions proposed to tackle urban poverty include rural development, creating jobs in agriculture, and promoting agribusiness and agro-tourism to provide sustainable livelihoods in rural areas.

Q & A

What is the national poverty rate in Indonesia as of March 2025?

The national poverty rate in Indonesia as of March 2025 is 8.47%, with 23.85 million people living in poverty.

Why has urban poverty increased despite a decrease in national poverty?

Urban poverty increased due to factors such as a rise in half unemployment, higher open unemployment rates among men in cities, increasing prices of essential goods, and difficulties faced by rural migrants in accessing social welfare.

What is 'half unemployment' and how does it impact urban poverty?

'Half unemployment' refers to people working fewer than 35 hours per week while still seeking additional employment. This group grew by 0.64 million between August 2024 and February 2025, contributing to urban poverty due to underemployment.

What role does the rising cost of goods play in urban poverty?

The rising cost of essential goods, such as cooking oil, chili, and garlic, increases the financial strain on urban residents, especially the poor, who rely on the market for these goods, leading to reduced purchasing power.

How does gender influence urban poverty in Indonesia?

The open unemployment rate among men in cities has increased, which is significant because men are often the primary breadwinners. This has a direct impact on urban poverty, as the economic well-being of families is affected.

Why are rural migrants particularly vulnerable to urban poverty?

Rural migrants in cities often maintain their rural identities, which can make it difficult for them to access social welfare programs and government support, further exacerbating their vulnerability to poverty.

How does the phenomenon of 'saving face' or maintaining consumption levels contribute to urban poverty?

People in urban areas often maintain their consumption levels despite financial challenges, sometimes borrowing money to sustain their lifestyles. This behavior can lead to deeper financial strain and an increase in poverty.

What is the projected urbanization trend in Indonesia by 2045?

By 2045, it is projected that 70% of Indonesia's population, or approximately 220 million people, will live in urban areas.

What solution does Muhammad Faisal suggest to address urban poverty in Indonesia?

Muhammad Faisal suggests slowing down urbanization by reducing factors that drive migration to cities, such as increasing development in rural areas and creating sustainable jobs in agriculture, agribusiness, and agro-tourism.

What are the potential risks of not addressing urban poverty in the face of rapid urbanization?

If urban poverty is not addressed, it will only become more complex as the urban population grows. Without action, the increasing number of urban poor will exacerbate poverty-related issues, leading to more significant social and economic problems.