LOCAL EMPOWERMENT FOR POVERTY ERADICATION: A CASE STUDY OF PAPUA PROVINCE'S POTENTIAL-BASED APPROACH
Abstract
Poverty remains a persistent global challenge, influenced by interconnected factors such as income, education, health, access to services, geography, gender, and environment. Addressing poverty is crucial to fostering national development. The complexity of poverty is evident in the eastern region of Indonesia, where disparities in poverty levels compared to other regions are pronounced. In this context, this study examines the multidimensional nature of poverty in the eastern Indonesian region, specifically Papua province.
Papua province exhibits concerning poverty characteristics, with high rates of multidimensional poverty and poor performance in social and economic indicators. The multidimensional poverty rate in Papua province is among the highest in Indonesia at 45.91 percent, indicating a critical need for effective poverty reduction strategies. This study underscores the importance of recognizing the agency of the poor themselves in tackling poverty. Empowering the impoverished to actively contribute to poverty alleviation emerges as a novel paradigm, highlighting the need for local governments to position the poor as central agents in poverty reduction efforts.
Education emerges as a pivotal factor in enhancing human resources and curbing poverty. While the responsibility for a robust education system lies with educational institutions, it requires collective support from communities and governmental bodies mandated by the Constitution of 1945 to educate the populace. Various governmental policies have been introduced to combat poverty, including direct cash assistance, district development initiatives, and urban poverty reduction programs. However, these policies have yet to effectively address the root causes of poverty.
In the context of Papua province, the local government's mission to cultivate a smart, quality, and prosperous society is evident. However, its execution has faced challenges due to unoptimized utilization of resources and absence of regular evaluations for enhancing poverty alleviation efforts. The study highlights the need for comprehensive evaluations to enhance work productivity in poverty alleviation and foster dynamic policies that genuinely impact poverty rates.
In conclusion, this study emphasizes the multidimensional nature of poverty in the eastern Indonesian region, particularly Papua province, and underscores the importance of active participation by the impoverished themselves in poverty reduction efforts. It advocates for holistic, targeted policy interventions that go beyond surface-level programs to address the intricate interplay of factors driving poverty.
