Muhaimin Iskandar targets 5% poverty rate in Indonesia by 2029

Muhaimin Iskandar, Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment, has announced a strategic shift in national development aimed at reducing the poverty rate to a maximum of 5% by 2029. Currently, approximately 22.9 million people, or 8.07% of the population, live below the poverty line.

The government's approach focuses on transitioning from temporary social assistance to long-term community empowerment. Iskandar outlined a three-pillar strategy:

1. Reducing household expenditures through social security, healthcare, affordable education, and improved infrastructure and transportation. 2. Strengthening empowerment programs to enhance citizens' ability to increase their own income. 3. Eliminating poverty pockets through targeted programs in accordance with Presidential Instruction Number 8 of 2025.

Under the administration of President Prabowo Subianto, the ministry aims to ensure that state budget allocations serve as long-term investments in human independence rather than mere subsistence support.