Poverty Report for Tegal Regency in 2024

The Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) for Tegal Regency has released the latest data on poverty rates in the region for the year 2024. This report was presented to the Regency Secretary (Sekda) of Tegal in the Sekda’s office. The poverty data is derived from the National Socio-Economic Survey conducted in March 2024, which is carried out annually to measure and monitor the socio-economic conditions of the population. It also serves to support local government in formulating more effective policies and programs to address poverty.

According to Bambang Wahyu Ponco Aji, the Head of BPS Tegal Regency, the poverty rate in Tegal Regency for 2024 stands at 6.81%. This figure provides insight into the proportion of the population living below the poverty line. It also indicates an improvement in the well-being of the people of Tegal compared to previous years.

In response to this report, Sekda Amir Makhmud emphasized that this achievement is the result of various efforts made by the local government to reduce poverty. He stressed the importance of collaboration between the government, private sector, and the community in poverty alleviation. “The recorded poverty rate of 6.81% reflects our collective hard work. However, our journey is not over, and there is still much to be done to ensure that all residents of Tegal Regency can enjoy decent well-being,” said Amir Makhmud. Despite the decrease in poverty rates, challenges remain, and the local government will continue to evaluate and improve existing programs while strengthening coordination with various stakeholders to achieve more significant poverty reduction in the future. “We must continue to innovate and ensure that each program is truly effective and targeted. Collaboration with various parties, including the community, is the key to our success,” added Amir Makhmud.

The report by Bambang Wahyu Ponco Aji, along with the team led by Adnan Puji Wahyudi and Ratna Sari Dewi, highlights several strategic programs implemented to reduce poverty, including:

1. Empowerment of the Community’s Economy: Programs aimed at enhancing the skills and economic capacity of the community through training and business capital assistance. An example is the Youth Entrepreneurship Program, as well as cultural exhibitions to boost tourism attraction.
2. Improved Access to Education and Health: Efforts to ensure that every resident has adequate access to basic education and healthcare services. Initiatives include housing rehabilitation programs (RTLH), sanitation improvement (Jambanisasi), and encouraging school attendance (Yuk Sekolah Maning).
3. Infrastructure Development: Enhancing basic infrastructure such as roads, sanitation, and clean water supply in underserved areas, funded through national and local budgets (APBN, APBD) as well as village funds (Dana Desa).
4. Social Assistance: Distributing social assistance to needy families to ensure their basic needs are met, including those affected by disasters.
5. Stabilization of Prices for Essential Goods: For instance, implementing market operations to stabilize prices.

The poverty data for 2024 serves as a crucial foundation for Tegal Regency in formulating better policies and programs for the future. With sustained effort and collaboration, it is hoped that the poverty rate in Tegal Regency will continue to decrease, leading to a more prosperous and self-reliant community. (Ratsari)