Lowest Poverty Rate Since 1970

Indonesia's poverty rate in September 2016 decreased to 10.7 percent, compared to 10.86 percent in March 2016 and 11.12 percent in September 2015. The September 2016 poverty rate is the lowest since 1970.

The number of poor people in September 2016 also decreased to 27.76 million, compared to 28.01 million in March 2016 and 28.51 million in September 2015. The number of urban poor in September 2016 reached 17.28 million (13.96 percent), while the rural poor numbered 10.49 million (7.73 percent).

Factors contributing to the decrease in the number of poor people between March and September 2016 include relatively low general inflation of only 1.34 percent. Prices of basic necessities such as rice, chilies, and chicken eggs decreased nationally on average. Furthermore, the average nominal wage for farm laborers increased by 1.42 percent in September 2016 to Rp 48,235 per day from Rp 47,559 per day in March 2016.