W Sumatra Poor Population Decreased By 4,052 People

Padang, (Antaranews Sumbar) - Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) of West Sumatra noted that the number of poor people in the province decreased by 4,052 people from March to September 2017 period.

"In March 2017 the poor in West Sumatra reached 364,05 people, September 2017 fell to 359,099 people," West Sumatra BPS Chairman, Sukardi stated in Padang, Wednesday.

He said that the number of poor people in urban areas dropped from 5.14 percent to 5.11 percent and in rural areas fell from 8.10 percent to 7.94 percent.

He conveyed in the last 10 years the poor people of West Sumatra fell significantly from 529,002 in 2007 to 359,099 in 2017.

"This figure is significant because in 2007 it reached 11.90 percent and 2017 at number of 6.75 percent," he said.

He explained to record the number of poor people, BPS is using the poverty line index which is the average monthly per capita expenditure, which is used to classify the population into the poor or not poor.

The poverty line used to calculate the poor population in September 2017 was Rp455,797 per capita per month, he added.

"It means if there is a per capita expenditure per month only Rp455,797 includes into the poor category," he said.

He pointed out that in measuring poverty, BPS uses the concept of capability to fulfill basic needs which views poverty as an economic disability to fulfill the basic needs of food and non-food as measured by expenditure.

While the method used to calculate the poverty line consists of two components, namely food poverty line and non food poverty line.

The food poverty line represents the minimum food expenditure requirement equivalent to 2,100 kilo calories per capita per day.

The poor are those with average per capita spending per month below the poverty line, he added. (cha)

Editor: Vicha Faradika