Rina Putri
PrakarsaWarga.Com – The efforts of the West Kotawaringin (Kobar) Regency Government in Central Kalimantan to reduce poverty are showing positive results. According to the latest data, the poverty rate in the region is now at 4.27 percent, or approximately 14,180 people, making Kobar one of the areas with the lowest poverty rates in Central Kalimantan.
The Head of the West Kotawaringin Social Service, Hazriansyah, said that this success was inseparable from the distribution of various social assistance programs provided to the community in accordance with data that had been verified and updated regularly.
Currently, 10,788 families benefit from the Family Hope Program (PKH) and Non-Cash Food Assistance (BPNT). These programs not only help meet basic community needs but also maintain the purchasing power of low-income families amidst various economic challenges.
In addition to social assistance, local governments are also strengthening protection in the health sector. Tens of thousands of residents have registered as BPJS Kesehatan participants, whose contributions are covered by the government through the national and regional budgets. This measure is expected to ease the burden on the community and improve access to healthcare services.
The West Kotawaringin Social Services Agency emphasized that recipient data is continuously updated to ensure targeted distribution. The public is also given the opportunity to propose changes to the data through village and sub-district governments to ensure that aid reaches those in need.
Beyond focusing solely on providing assistance, the West Kotawaringin Regency Government also implements various economic empowerment programs. These programs aim to help communities increase income, strengthen businesses, and reduce dependence on social assistance in the long term.
The government hopes that collaboration between local governments, the business world, and the community can continue to accelerate poverty reduction and encourage sustainable improvements in community welfare.
With a strategy that combines social protection, access to health services, and economic empowerment, West Kotawaringin is optimistic that it will be able to maintain the positive trend in reducing poverty rates and improving the quality of life of its citizens.
