Universities Mobilized to Combat Indonesian Poverty
Indonesia is intensifying its fight against poverty, with universities taking center stage. This initiative aims to leverage student involvement to uplift communities, integrating academic knowledge with practical action to achieve zero extreme poverty by 2026.
University Role in Poverty Alleviation
Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar, Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment, has urged universities to enhance their participation in alleviating poverty. He emphasized that community service programs are crucial for accelerating poverty reduction in the nation. These initiatives allow students to contribute by taking part in empowerment activities that align with their fields of study.
Tweet content here
— @twitteruser (Twitter handle) Date
“We must integrate scientific findings as a vital part of tackling poverty,”
—Abdul Muhaimin Iskandar, Coordinating Minister for Community Empowerment
Indonesia’s poverty rate stood at 9.34% in March 2024, according to the World Bank (World Bank).
Government Strategy
The government is coordinating poverty alleviation programs nationwide to eradicate extreme poverty by 2026. Furthermore, President Prabowo Subianto believes Indonesia can eliminate poverty before 2045, backed by projections of a top-six global economy. Presidential Instruction No. 8 of 2025 mandates coordinated efforts across agencies to implement effective programs.
This collaborative approach seeks to create a sustainable ecosystem for community empowerment, ensuring no citizen is left behind in Indonesia’s pursuit of prosperity.