Seluma Regency Had the Highest Poverty Rate in Bengkulu in March 2021

Seluma Regency has the highest poverty rate in Bengkulu Province. The widespread Covid-19 pandemic, which crippled the economy, led to an increase in the number of poor people.

The Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) recorded that the percentage of poor people in the regency reached 18.72% in March 2021. This figure increased compared to March 2020, which was only 18.56%. This figure is also the highest compared to other regencies/cities in Bengkulu.

The next regency/city with the highest percentage of poor people is Kaur Regency, at 18.62%. This is followed by Bengkulu Selatan Regency with a poverty rate of 18.16%, Bengkulu City at 17.89%, and Rejang Lebong Regency at 15.85%.

Kepahiang Regency also has a poverty rate of 14.83%. This is followed by Lebong Regency at 12%, Muko-muko Regency at 11.93%, and Bengkulu Utara and Bengkulu Tengah Regencies at 11.61% and 9.68% respectively.

The number of poor people in Bengkulu during the Covid-19 pandemic increased by 3,420 to 306,000 in March 2021 compared to March 2020. Similarly, the percentage of poor people increased to 15.22% from 15.03% previously.