Jakarta Poverty Hits Post-Pandemic Low, Declining 0.25%
Reported by Folmer | Translated by Nugroho Adibrata
Jakarta Statistics Indonesia (BPS) has recorded a significant decline in the city’s poverty rate, which dropped by 0.25 percentage points in September 2025 compared to March of the same year.
The poverty line has decreased
Jakarta BPS Head, Kadarmanto stated that the poverty rate stood at 4.03% in September 2025, down from 4.28% recorded in mid-March.
"Besides the lower percentage, the actual number of residents living below the poverty line has decreased. As of September 2025, the figure stood at 439,120 people, a reduction of 25,750 compared to March 2025, which saw 464,870 people," he said, Friday (2/6).
BPS Reports Jakarta Experienced 0.23 Percent Deflation in January 2026Kadarmanto noted that the declining trend signals that Jakarta’s economic recovery is delivering tangible benefits to public welfare. This shift is reflected in the adjusted Poverty Line (GK) for Jakarta, which was set at Rp 897,768 per capita per month in September 2025—a 5.28% increase from March 2025.
The Poverty Line is primarily driven by food expenses, accounting for 69.30%, or Rp 622,175 per capita monthly. Non-food necessities make up the remaining 30.70%, or Rp 275,593 per capita," he explained. Consequently, the average minimum monthly expenditure for a low-income household consisting of five members has reached Rp 4.57 million.
He further attributed the drop in poverty figures to several strengthening economic indicators: Jakarta’s economy grew by 1.62% throughout 2025, which in turn boosted public spending by 3.4%. Additionally, the unemployment rate improved, falling from 6.18% to 6.05%, while well-managed inflation helped safeguard public purchasing power.
"A variety of social safety net programs from both the central and provincial governments have played a pivotal role in curbing poverty. These initiatives include Non-Cash Food Assistance (BPNT), Family Hope Program (PKH), Jakarta Smart Card Plus (KJP Plus), Jakarta Excellent Student Card (KJMU), and Free Nutritious Meal Program," he stated.