TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono announced that Indonesia has successfully cut its poverty rate this year. Indonesia’s economy, he said, is moving to a positive trend, which is proved by the economic growth even amidst the global crisis, and the decline of poverty as well as unemployment rate.

In a state speech to welcome the Independence Day at the House of Representatives' building, SBY revealed that the poverty rate has gone down from 16.6 percent in 2004 to 11.37 percent in March 2013. "Meanwhile, the open unemployment rate has declined from 9.86 percent in 2004 to 5.92 percent in February 2013. There are however many more things we need to improve. The decline in poverty and unemployment rate is a proof of a national development that we have conducted hand in hand."

SBY claimed that the government will stay committed in slashing poverty rate through the support of many programs, among them rice for the poor (Raskin) program, school operational assistance (BOS), and a guarantee for poor students. Another mainstay program is the micro credit support (KUR) program that has been in place since 2007. "(The latter) program can expand the supply of capitals for micro and small enterprises," the president said.

The government urged that it is important to intensify pro-poor programs in the future. In addition, Indonesia’s experience in solving crisis in 2008 and 2009 can be used a model of how to constantly improve the economy as well as help Indonesia suppress poverty and unemployment numbers.

ANANDA TERESIA