10 Regencies with the Highest Poverty Rates in West Sumatra in March 2021

Restrictions on social activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the income of people in West Sumatra (Sumbar). As a result, poverty rates in the province have increased.

The number of poor people in Sumbar increased by 26,440 to 370,670 in March 2021 compared to March 2020. Similarly, the poverty rate increased to 6.63% from 6.28%.

Mentawai Islands Regency recorded the highest poverty rate in West Sumatra. Based on the 2021 Socio-Economic Survey (Susenas), the number of poor people in this regency, surrounded by the Indian Ocean, was 14,310 (14.84%) of the total population. The poverty rate increased by 14.35% compared to March 2020.

The regencies/cities with the next highest percentage of poor people are Solok Regency (8.01%), followed by Pesisir Selatan Regency (7.92%), Solok Selatan Regency (7.52%), and Pasaman Barat Regency (7.51%).

Other areas with high poverty rates in Sumbar include Pasaman Regency (7.48%), Lima Puluh Kota Regency (7.29%), Padang Pariaman Regency (7.22%), and Agam Regency and Sijunjung Regency (6.85% and 6.8% respectively).