This is the explanation from BPS Tanjung Jabung Timur to the Regent regarding Poverty Data

Located at the Tanjung Jabung Timur DPRD building, Monday (15/8/2022) morning, the Tanjung Jabung Timur BPS team led by Pangorian Marpaung SE, the Head of BPS Tanjung Jabung Timur, fulfilled the request of Regent Romy Haryanto and DPRD regarding the explanation of poverty data. As is known, Covid-19 has an impact on increasing the percentage and number of poor people in East Tanjung Jabung in 2021. BPS Tanjung Jabung Timur released that the East Tanjab poverty rate increased to 11.39 percent. This increase is relatively significant compared to conditions in 2020; where the percentage of poor people in 2020 is 10.95 percent. In addition to the regent, the Chairperson of DPRD Mahrup, Deputy Chair I Saidina Hamzah, Deputy Chair II Gatot Sumarto, and Deputy Chairperson of Commission I Alam Bakri were also present.

The meeting started by sharing the perception and understanding that poverty that BPS releases every year is macro poverty. "So, there is an addition of around 190, what is the data?" asked Romi Haryanto.

From here, the discussion becomes interesting because there is a process of unifying perceptions. Macro poverty cannot answer the detailed question of who and where the poor are.

Pangorian explained that this is micro poverty data, and it is not the responsibility of BPS to prepare or document the data. However, macro poverty released by BPS can help evaluate and monitor poverty reduction efforts. The meeting became even more interesting when the BPS Team explained that the calculation of poverty used a boundary called the Poverty Line (GK).

"This GK refers to the community's consumption/expenditure approach, sir," explained Benny, one of the team members.

“So if there are indications that the income of the people of Tanjabtim is relatively sufficient or even high, then the problem of poverty may lead to income that is slightly spent; or consumption tends to be low. Now this could be due to road infrastructure factors, access to markets, or financial institutions,” said Benny. The Regent acknowledged that the classic problems related to roads and economic facilities as well as education must still be prioritized for handling.

"But we really need data related to the effectiveness of the programs that have been given to farmers and poor households," said Romi.

The Regent then scheduled a meeting with all departments. BPS Tanjung Jabung Timur was asked to attend the meeting to explain socio-economic data related to poverty and jointly formulate policies that can build Tanjung Jabung Timur.

This was welcomed by Pangorian and his team, because this has become part of the duties and functions of BPS.

As the BPS leadership continues to emphasize that the presence of data is not enough just as a portrait of the region, but also must be able to provide insight to users; especially local government. (Jambi/BPS data for East Tanjung Jabung Regency)