Poverty remains one of the major barriers to the achievement of sustainable development throughout the world. The SDGs, Target 1.4, can be viewed as stressing the importance of equal access to economic resources and appropriate and necessary services for all individuals, including the poor and those at risk. This goal encompasses rights to property, inheritance, natural resources, financial institutions, and relevant modern technology.
Mnistry of Public Works and Housing (PUPR) and UGM held a workshop on funding clean water and sanitation at Grha Sabha Pramana UGM
In Indonesia, a notable Partnership between the Ministry of Public Works and Housing (PUPR) and UGM illustrates efforts to combat poverty by enhancing access to clean water and sanitation. A workshop held at UGM’s campus in Yogyakarta brought together experts who identified significant funding shortfalls in the water and sanitation sectors, revealing that 61% of needs in developing countries are still unmet. In Indonesia, just 29% of households have access to piped water, and only 7.25% enjoy safe sanitation facilities. The workshop highlighted the need for community-driven water management and innovative financing solutions to enhance access to crucial services, particularly in light of climate change. This initiative aligns with the UN’s aim of guaranteeing equal rights to basic services for all, underlining the urgency for strategic policy development prioritising sustainability and inclusivity.
Collaboration between Center for Environmental Studies UGM and Environmental Governance to Draft Local Regulation
Likewise, the emphasis on environmental governance in Yogyakarta through collaborative efforts with the Center for Environmental Studies at UGM showcases the link between environmental management and poverty reduction. A recent Focus Group Discussion sought to draft a local regulation (Rancangan Peraturan Daerah/Raperda) addressing urgent environmental concerns, including waste management and water quality. It emphasises the need to integrate local insights with the established rules and regulations to achieve policies that are not only environmentally friendly but also promote the welfare of the local population. Involving experts and other relevant parties in the drafting processes will result in a practice of environmental protection that also enhances economic development.
In Kediri Regency, which recorded a poverty rate of 11.64% in 2021, targeted strategies need to be put in place to deal with the employment challenges that residents face (Preparation of the Kediri Regency Regional Poverty Alleviation Plan for 2021 – 2026). Among these strategies, it is pertinent to improve the workforce skills in relation to the labour market, create more job opportunities, and enhance family income, especially through livelihood diversification and assistance of small and medium enterprises (SME) activities. However, in practice, local government initiatives towards poverty reduction are mostly based on transfer revenue, which, in most cases, is spent on routine services instead of being allocated for targeted poverty alleviation programs. Therefore, considering alternative funding options, such as legitimate local revenues and contributions from the private sector, is essential to bolster poverty alleviation programs.
The Tourism Exposure Master Plan is the result of collaboration between the Regional Planning, Research, and Innovation Agency (Bapperida) of Sikka Regency and UGM. Together, they have developed the tourism master plan document, including strategies for infrastructure development and promotion (Bapperida Sikka Regency and UGM co-create the Tourism Exposure Master Plan Exposure).
A UGM student team studied income inequality in Yogyakarta, finding a Gini Index of 0.454 in 2023. They researched the implementation of a people’s economy in Yogyakarta City, its relationship with income inequality, and strategies for strengthening to achieve better economic equity. Strategies include using participatory rural appraisal, enhancing collaboration, and integrating local government programs (UGM student research team studies income inequality in Yogyakarta to integrate with local government programs).
References:
- Partnership between the Ministry of Public Works and Housing (PUPR) and UGM
- Collaboration between the Center for Environmental Studies UGM and Environmental Governance to Draft Local Regulation
- Preparation of the Kediri Regency Regional Poverty Alleviation Plan for 2021 – 2026
- Bapperida Sikka Regency and UGM co-create the Tourism Exposure Master Plan Exposure
- UGM student research team studies income inequality in Yogyakarta to integrate with local government programs