Increasing economic growth

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 3 views

Analysis of Factors Affecting Poverty in North Sumatra Province (2015-2020 Period)

Introduction

North Sumatra Province, with 33 districts/cities, has experienced complex poverty dynamics during the 2015-2020 period. The province's economy, human development, population growth, and unemployment rate have all played a significant role in shaping the poverty landscape. This study aims to analyze the effect of these factors on poverty in North Sumatra, using data panels and panel data regression analysis.

Background

Poverty is a multifaceted issue that affects millions of people worldwide. In Indonesia, North Sumatra Province is one of the regions with a high poverty rate. The province's economy is primarily driven by agriculture, mining, and manufacturing, with a significant portion of the population engaged in informal sectors. The Human Development Index (HDI) in North Sumatra is relatively low, with a score of 0.69 in 2020, indicating a moderate level of human development.

Methodology

This study uses a panel data regression analysis approach, combining time series data for 6 years (2015-2020) and cross-section data from all regencies/cities in North Sumatra. The data is analyzed using EViews 10, a statistical software package. The study focuses on four key factors that affect poverty in North Sumatra:

Economic growth: This refers to the increase in the province's GDP, which is a key indicator of economic development.
Human Development Index (HDI): This measures the quality of life of the population, taking into account factors such as education, health, and access to public services.
Population growth: This refers to the increase in the population of North Sumatra, which can put pressure on economic resources and increase competition for jobs.
Unemployment rate: This measures the percentage of the labor force that is unemployed, which can have a significant impact on poverty levels.

Results

The results of the panel data regression analysis indicate that all four factors have a significant effect on poverty in North Sumatra. The findings are as follows:

Economic growth: The study finds that economic growth has a negative and significant influence on poverty. This means that increasing economic growth in North Sumatra can reduce poverty. This is consistent with the idea that economic development is a key driver of poverty reduction.
Human Development Index (HDI): The study finds that HDI also has a negative and significant influence on poverty. This means that efforts to improve the quality of human resources through education, health, and access to public services are crucial in combating poverty.
Population growth: The study finds that population growth has a positive and significant influence on poverty. This means that an increase in population can cause an increase in poverty. This is consistent with the idea that population growth can put pressure on economic resources and increase competition for jobs.
Unemployment rate: The study finds that the unemployment rate has a positive and significant influence on poverty. This means that an increase in unemployment can cause an increase in poverty. This is consistent with the idea that unemployment can have a significant impact on poverty levels.

Policy Implications

Based on the results of this study, the Provincial Government of North Sumatra needs to focus on the following strategies to reduce poverty:

Increasing economic growth: The government can encourage investment through the development of Special Economic Zones (KEK) and Industrial Estate (KI). This can create jobs and stimulate economic growth.
Improving the quality of human resources: The government can implement programs such as the Family Hope Program (PKH) and efforts to increase access to education and health. This can improve the quality of human resources and reduce poverty.
Controlling population growth: The government can implement the Family Planning Program (KB) and efforts to delay marriage age. This can control population growth and reduce poverty.
Reducing the unemployment rate: The government can utilize the Praking Card Program and create new jobs in strategic sectors. This can reduce unemployment and poverty.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study has analyzed the effect of economic growth, HDI, population growth, and unemployment rate on poverty in North Sumatra Province. The results indicate that all four factors have a significant effect on poverty, and that the right economic development strategy can be a key in reducing poverty. The study provides policy implications for the Provincial Government of North Sumatra, highlighting the need to focus on increasing economic growth, improving the quality of human resources, controlling population growth, and reducing the unemployment rate. By understanding the factors that influence poverty and applying the right strategy, North Sumatra Province can achieve the target of decreasing poverty and creating a more prosperous society.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on Poverty in North Sumatra Province

Q: What is the current poverty rate in North Sumatra Province?

A: The current poverty rate in North Sumatra Province is approximately 12.5%, according to the data from the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) in 2020.

Q: What are the main causes of poverty in North Sumatra Province?

A: The main causes of poverty in North Sumatra Province are:

Low economic growth
Low Human Development Index (HDI)
High population growth
High unemployment rate

Q: How can economic growth help reduce poverty in North Sumatra Province?

A: Economic growth can help reduce poverty in North Sumatra Province by creating jobs, increasing income, and improving access to basic services such as education and healthcare.

Q: What is the role of the Human Development Index (HDI) in reducing poverty?

A: The HDI plays a crucial role in reducing poverty by improving the quality of life of the population. It measures factors such as education, health, and access to public services, which are essential for reducing poverty.

Q: How can population growth be controlled in North Sumatra Province?

A: Population growth can be controlled in North Sumatra Province through family planning programs, education, and awareness-raising campaigns. Delaying marriage age and increasing access to family planning services can also help control population growth.

Q: What is the impact of unemployment on poverty in North Sumatra Province?

A: Unemployment has a significant impact on poverty in North Sumatra Province. It can lead to a decrease in income, increased poverty, and reduced access to basic services.

Q: What are the policy implications of this study for the Provincial Government of North Sumatra?

A: The policy implications of this study for the Provincial Government of North Sumatra are:

Increasing economic growth through investment in Special Economic Zones (KEK) and Industrial Estate (KI)
Improving the quality of human resources through programs such as the Family Hope Program (PKH) and efforts to increase access to education and health
Controlling population growth through family planning programs and education
Reducing the unemployment rate through the Praking Card Program and creating new jobs in strategic sectors

Q: What are the recommendations for future research on poverty in North Sumatra Province?

A: The recommendations for future research on poverty in North Sumatra Province are:

Conducting a more in-depth analysis of the factors that contribute to poverty in North Sumatra Province
Examining the impact of poverty on different segments of the population, such as children, women, and the elderly
Developing a more comprehensive poverty reduction strategy that takes into account the specific needs and challenges of North Sumatra Province.

Q: What are the implications of this study for poverty reduction in Indonesia?

A: The implications of this study for poverty reduction in Indonesia are:

The need for a more comprehensive poverty reduction strategy that takes into account the specific needs and challenges of different regions
The importance of investing in human development, particularly education and health
The need for a more effective and efficient delivery of social services, particularly in rural areas.

Q: What are the limitations of this study?

A: The limitations of this study are:

The use of secondary data, which may not be comprehensive or up-to-date
The focus on a single province, which may not be representative of the entire country
The lack of a more in-depth analysis of the factors that contribute to poverty in North Sumatra Province.