For the first time since the pandemic, Jakarta's poverty rate fell to 4.67% in September 2021.

The Central Statistics Agency (BPS) reports that the number of poor people in Jakarta has decreased for the first time since the pandemic, reaching 498,290 or 4.67% of the capital's total population.

Compared to March 2021, the poverty rate in Jakarta in September decreased by 0.05 percentage points. In March 2021, Jakarta's poverty rate even reached 4.72%, the highest in the last 20 years.

This decrease is higher compared to September 2020, which saw a decrease of 0.02 percentage points. Jakarta's poverty rate in September 2020 was recorded at 4.69%.

BPS notes that this decrease in the poverty rate is a positive sign of improvement in several macroeconomic indicators. In September 2021, the economy grew by 2.43% compared to 2020.

One of the contributors to economic growth was the growth of Household Consumption Expenditure (PKRT) by 4.57% (year on year/yoy). The gradual easing of Community Activity Restrictions (PPKM) also contributed to driving household consumption growth.

Furthermore, new job absorption also increased. During the period of August 2020-August 2021, Jakarta's job market successfully reduced unemployment by 42,000 and even absorbed 36,000 new workers, with an Open Unemployment Rate (TPT) of 8.50%.

In addition, during the period of March-September 2021, the government successfully maintained price stability. Cumulative inflation in general during this period was only 0.26%. Low prices ensured that poor people were still able to buy goods to meet their basic needs.