The poverty rate in Indonesia declined to 9.8 percent, or nearly 26 million people, of the total population in March 2018 from 10.64 percent, or nearly 27.8 million people, in 2017, according to Indonesia’s Central Statistics Agency (BPS).
An overview of Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia (Illustrative image. Source: VNA)
Jakarta (VNA) – The poverty rate inIndonesia declined to 9.8 percent, or nearly 26 million people, of the totalpopulation in March 2018 from 10.64 percent, or nearly 27.8 million people, in2017, according to Indonesia’s Central Statistics Agency (BPS).
The ratio of people living under the povertyline in the east is still higher than that in the west.
BPS Head Kecuk Suhariyanto said the poverty ratein Indonesia in recent years has been on the downward trend, but remains amajor challenge for the country, especially in the east.
Needy people make up over 21 percent of thepopulation of Maluku and Papua provinces, 14 percent in Bali and Nusa Tenggara,10.64 percent in Sulawesi.
Nearly 13.3 million poor people live in Javaprovince while close to 6 million inhabit in Sumatra and over 2 million inSulawesi.
Some infrastructure projects are being carriedout in the eastern port of Indonesia, which is expected to help reduce the rateof poverty in the future.
The Indonesian government also pledged to spareno effort to reduce poverty and develop human resources in 2018 via increasingsocial allowances and village funds and expanding vocational training.
In 2018, Indonesia plans to spend 60 trillionRupiah (4.2 billion USD) for village funds, up 13 trillion Rupiah against 2017.
Furthermore, the government will promotevocational training courses to help generate jobs for more people. In 2017,more than 6,200 people received vocational skills training.-VNA
Indonesia and Thailand held the 9th Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) in Yogyakarta city of Indonesia on July 5 to seek ways to strengthen bilateral cooperation, according to ANTARA News.
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The new FIFA Hub in Jakarta will not only support football development in Indonesia but also serve as a coordination centre for 21 football associations across Southeast and East Asia.
Minister Counselor Nguyen Hoang Nguyen reaffirmed Vietnam’s principled and consistent stance on the Palestine issue, calling for an immediate and lasting ceasefire across the entire Gaza Strip.
PM Anwar Ibrahim affirmed the determination of Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair for 2025, to utilise all viable regional mechanisms of the bloc and work with partners to de-escalate violence and restore a peace process led by Myanmar.
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The Ministry of Commerce reported that imports also rose 18% to 29.9 billion USD during the same period, resulting in a trade surplus of 1.1 billion USD. In May alone, Thailand posted a 4.6 billion USD trade surplus with the US and a 4.1 billion USD trade deficit with China.
The World Bank will provide a 2.1 billion USD financing package for Indonesia, focusing oncreating jobs, stimulating economic growth, and enhancing access to clean energy across the country.
Member states also reviewed progress on six priority areas for 2025, including the development of an underground cable framework, the follow-up agreement to the ASEAN Petroleum Security Agreement (APSA), the launch of the ASEAN Energy Efficiency Database, and the rollout of an investment platform for sustainable building initiatives.
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International flights were cancelled including Jetstar and Virgin Australia flights to cities across Australia, and flights of Air India, Air New Zealand, Singapore's TigerAir and China's Juneyao Airlines.
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The Thai cabinet has approved a seven-year EV bus leasing scheme proposed by the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) for the capital, with an estimated cost of 15.35 billion THB (over 470 million USD).
Aircraft are prohibited from flying below 6,000 metres in the vicinity of the volcano, and should also remain alert to the presence of volcanic ash, which can disrupt flights.
Laos declared the transfer of the press management functions of five key media agencies and associated personnel to the Propaganda and Training Board of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party Central Committee.
An overview of Jakarta, the capital of Indonesia (Illustrative image. Source: VNA) 
