Population Inequality During the Soeharto Era Was Actually Low

Based on BPS data, over a three-year period (2014-2017), the inequality among the population, measured by the Gini Ratio, showed a downward trend. The Gini Ratio in September 2017 fell to 0.391 from 0.414 in September 2014. Income inequality even decreased six consecutive times in the last three years.

The Gini Ratio is a coefficient that can describe income inequality among the population, with a value ranging from 0 to 1. If the Gini Ratio is 0, it indicates perfect income equality. Conversely, if the Gini Ratio reaches 1, it signifies perfect inequality.

Despite the decrease, the current level of income inequality is still higher than during the Reform Era or the New Order era (President Soeharto's era). This indicates the existence of economic injustice, characterized by the persistently high income inequality compared to previous eras. The trend of asset ownership and access to economic resources has not changed significantly and shows signs of being controlled by a small group of economic actors.

(Read Databoks: 3 Years of Jokowi-JK, Income Inequality Among the Population Decreases)