East Java, Province with the Highest Number of Poor People in March 2023

According to the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS), the number of poor people in Indonesia in March 2023 reached 25.90 million.

This comprises 11.74 million poor people in urban areas and 14.16 million in rural areas.

Cumulatively, the number of poor people in March 2023 decreased by approximately 260,000 compared to March of the previous year.

In March 2023, the highest number of poor people was in East Java. This province, led by Governor Khofifah Indar Parawansa, recorded 4.18 million poor people, equivalent to 10.35% of its total population.

Although the national poverty rate decreased, the number of poor people in East Java in March 2023 increased by 7,500 compared to March 2022.

The following is a complete list of the 10 provinces with the highest number of poor people in Indonesia in March 2023:

1. East Java: 4,188,810 people
2. West Java: 3,888,600 people
3. Central Java: 3,791,500 people
4. North Sumatra: 1,239,710 people
5. East Nusa Tenggara (NTT): 1,141,110 people
6. South Sumatra: 1,045,680 people
7. Lampung: 970,670 people
8. Papua: 915,150 people
9. Banten: 826,130 people
10. Aceh: 806,750 people

Meanwhile, the region with the fewest poor people in Indonesia is North Kalimantan, with only 47,970 people.

BPS defines poor people as those who are economically unable to meet their basic food and non-food needs, measured according to the Poverty Line.