West Sulawesi Poverty Profile 2024: Poverty Rate Declines, But Challenges in Urban Areas Increase

Mamuju, 1 July 2024 – The West Sulawesi Province Central Statistics Agency (BPS) released the 2024 West Sulawesi Poverty Profile, recording a decrease in the percentage of poor people to 11.21 percent in March 2024, down 0.28 percentage points compared to March 2023.

Head of West Sulawesi Province BPS, Tina Wahyufitri, said that the number of poor people in West Sulawesi also decreased by 1.95 thousand people to 162.19 thousand people in March 2024.

"Nevertheless, we need to pay attention to the increase in the percentage of poor people in urban areas which will rise to 9.29 percent in March 2024," said Tina in an official release today.

Meanwhile, the percentage of poor people in rural areas has decreased to 11.70 percent in March 2024.

"This data shows that poverty alleviation efforts need to be more focused on urban areas," added Tina.

Acting Governor of West Sulawesi, Bahtiar Baharuddin, who was also present at the press release, expressed his appreciation for the achievements in reducing poverty rates in West Sulawesi.

"However, we must not be careless. Challenges in urban areas need serious attention," said Bahtiar.

He also emphasized the regional government's commitment to continue working to improve community welfare through various poverty alleviation programs.

The 2024 West Sulawesi Poverty Profile also notes that the role of food commodities in the Poverty Line is still dominant, reaching 77.55 percent in March 2024.

"This shows that meeting food needs is still the main challenge for poor people in West Sulawesi," explained Tina.