Indonesia's Poor Population Hits Lowest Record Since 1998, Decreasing by 633,000

The number of Indonesia's poor population (per capita expenditure/month below the poverty line) in March 2018 decreased to 25.95 million (9.82%) compared to 26.58 million (10.12%) in September 2017. This figure is also lower than the March 2017 figure of 27.77 million (10.64%). The disbursement of subsidies and social assistance contributed to the decline in poverty.

The poverty rate in March this year is the lowest since 1998, both in terms of number and percentage, as shown in the graph below. Compared to September 2017, the number of poor people in Indonesia decreased by 633,200, and the poverty rate also fell by 0.3 percentage points. Compared to March 2017, the number of poor people decreased by 1.82 million, and the poverty rate fell by 0.82%.

The percentage of the poor population in urban areas in March 2018 decreased to 7.02% from 7.26% in September 2017. Similarly, the rural poor population decreased to 13.2% from 13.47%. During the period September 2017-March 2018, the urban poor population decreased by 128,200 to 10.14 million. Similarly, the number of poor people in rural areas decreased by 505,000 to 15.81 million.