Revisiting growth and poverty reduction in Indonesia: what do subnational data show?

• Published in: Bulletin of Indonesian economic studies Vol. 39; no. 3; pp. 329 - 351
• Main Authors: Balisacan, Arsenio M., Pernia, Ernesto M., Asra, Abuzar
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Taylor & Francis Ltd 01.12.2003; Taylor and Francis Journals
• Series: Bulletin of Indonesian Economic Studies
• Subjects: Administrative decentralization; Economic conditions; Economic growth; Economics; Indonesia; Local economy; Local government; Poverty alleviation; Regional disparities; Social policy
• ISSN: 0007-4918; 1472-7234
• DOI: 10.1080/0007491032000142782

Indonesia has an impressive record of economic growth and poverty reduction over the past two decades. The growth-poverty nexus appears strong at the aggregate level. However, newly constructed panel data on the country's 285 districts reveal huge differences in poverty change, subnational economic growth and local attributes across the country. The results of econometric analysis show that growth is not the only factor to affect the rate of poverty change; other factors also directly influence the welfare of the poor, as well as having an indirect effect through their impact on growth itself. Among the critical ones are infrastructure, human capital, agricultural price incentives and access to technology. While fostering economic growth is crucial, a more complete poverty reduction strategy should take these relevant factors into account. In the context of ecentralisation, subnational analysis can be an instructive approach to examining local governance in relation to growth and poverty reduction.