Poverty-related expenditure inequality remained unchanged in September 2021.

The 2020 Socioeconomic Survey (Susenas) by the Central Statistics Agency (BPS) shows that the poverty severity index was at 0.42 in September 2021. This figure is unchanged compared to March 2021, indicating that the inequality of expenditure among the poor population remained the same.

Compared to September 2020, when it was 0.47, the poverty severity index is 0.05 lower. This indicates that the inequality of expenditure among the poor population decreased in the last year.

By place of residence, the poverty severity index for the rural population increased by 0.02 points to 0.59 in September 2021 from 0.57 in March 2021. Compared to September 2020, the rural poverty severity index decreased by 0.09 points.

Meanwhile, the poverty severity index for the urban population decreased by 0.02 points to 0.29 in September 2021 from March 2021. Compared to September 2020, the urban poverty depth index remained unchanged.

The COVID-19 pandemic caused the poverty severity index to increase in March 2020 and September 2020. A higher poverty severity index indicates that the inequality of expenditure among the poor population is widening. Conversely, a lower index indicates a smaller inequality of expenditure among the poor population.