Cak Imin Claims 0.48 Percent of Extreme Poor Have Moved Up

Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment, Muhaimin Iskandar, or Cak Imin, has claimed that 0.48 percent of Indonesia’s extreme poor population has moved up a class. “Around 0.48 percent of the extreme poor population has moved up a class. How about a round of applause?” said Cak Imin while opening the Ministerial-Level Meeting at Plaza BP Jamsostek, Kuningan, South Jakarta, on Monday (27/04/2026). “Thus, our extreme poor population now numbers 2.2 million people, down from the previous 3.56 million people. This is something we should be grateful for, even as we still have a remaining burden of 2.2 million from the previous 3.56 million people,” he stated. From the figures presented by Muhaimin, the poverty rate has decreased by 1.36 million people. Muhaimin acknowledged that there are still several challenges that need to be addressed immediately by the government, as thousands of families in the decile 1 group have not yet been reached by assistance. “More than 774,000 families in the decile 1 group still have not been touched by programmes, especially in areas like Kulonprogo, Garut, Bogor, Cirebon, and Cianjur,” he said. He noted that there is now very limited time left to achieve the target of eliminating extreme poverty to 0 percent in 2026. Therefore, Cak Imin will orchestrate various cross-ministry programmes in the regions, particularly in poverty pockets. “The priority areas targeted are 16,550 villages/sub-districts in accordance with the Coordinating Ministry for Community Empowerment Decree No. 6 of 2026,” he said. Cak Imin stressed the importance of a paradigm shift in the work of all ministries and agencies, from merely focusing on budget absorption to prioritising real outcomes. “We will continue to work hard to achieve the 0 percent target in 2026 and a maximum of 5 percent in 2029,” he said.