Investor Presentaiton
Before the crisis, the Yudhoyono government already had in place
several anti-poverty programs, which provided cash grants to
vulnerable people (BLT) and small loans of rotating credit or
equipment, such as fishing gear (KUR).
The cash grants program is credited with minor reductions in
poverty between 2007 and 2008, and the reductions appear to be
continuing.
Recent figures from BPS show consistent declines in poverty
across all Kalimantan provinces to March 2009.
Health insurance for poorer households (Jamkesmas), and
scholarships for poor students have also helped. In addition, the
community block grants programs (PNPM), when focussed on
improving rural infrastructure, can reduce unemployment.
The President's stimulus package, aimed largely at protecting the
business sector through tax cuts, included low cost cooking oil.
Resosudarmo and Yusuf (2009 in press) suggest that election
campaign spending has also assisted in cutting poverty levels.View entire presentation