Jakarta (ANTARA) - President Prabowo Subianto has emphasized that accurate, up-to-date data is the foundation for effective poverty alleviation, according to Social Affairs Minister Saifullah Yusuf.
“President Prabowo has made it clear that tackling poverty must begin with reliable data. Only with accurate information can we design interventions that truly reach those in need,” Yusuf told reporters during a National Heroes Day pre-event run in Jakarta on Sunday.
Yusuf stressed that data-driven policymaking is essential for aligning social welfare and empowerment programs across ministries, ensuring they deliver measurable improvements for vulnerable communities.
To support this approach, the government has launched the National Single Socioeconomic Data system (DTSEN), a centralized database updated collaboratively by multiple ministries and agencies to enhance accuracy and integration.
DTSEN has been formally designated as the primary reference for all social welfare initiatives under Presidential Instruction No. 8 of 2025 on optimizing poverty and extreme poverty eradication efforts.
“With valid data, we can harmonize various programs and ensure they generate real benefits for the people,” Yusuf said.
He noted that under President Prabowo’s leadership, Indonesia has made progress in improving citizens’ living standards. “The latest figures show our poverty rate at approximately 8.47 percent. We’re optimistic this number will continue to decline in the coming months,” he added.
Looking ahead, Yusuf expressed confidence that the government will meet its ambitious target of eliminating extreme poverty by 2026 and reducing the overall poverty rate to below five percent by the end of Prabowo’s term in 2029.
“Achieving these goals demands not only precise data, but also strong coordination among ministries, agencies, and local governments,” he said. “If we can enhance data quality and strengthen collaboration, reaching zero percent extreme poverty is within our grasp.”
