These are the 10 Provinces with the Highest Inequality

The disparity in household expenditure in March 2018 decreased. However, in several provinces, the inequality figures remained above the national average. The Special Region of Yogyakarta had the highest inequality rate with a Gini ratio of 0.441. Southeast Sulawesi (Sultra) followed with a Gini ratio of 0.409, and West Java was third with 0.407. Of the 10 provinces with the highest Gini ratios, eight were above the national average. In fact, the inequality figures in four provinces even increased.

The Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) survey recorded a national Gini ratio of 0.389 in March 2018, down from 0.391 in September 2017 and 0.393 in March 2017. This decrease in inequality is consistent with the decline in the poverty rate to 9.82% in March 2018, compared to 10.12% in September 2018 and 10.64% in March 2017.

Some analysts consider this decrease in inequality to be superficial, as it remains fluctuating and is supported by social assistance programs (bansos) rather than structural improvements. If bansos programs are not continuous or there are unforeseen events (shock therapy), then both poverty and inequality rates will rise again.